releve Virginia Division of Natural Heritage, see http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/documents/nh_plotform_instructions.pdf
Overall Taxon Cover Values are Automatically Calculated?
no
Stem Observation Area
400
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
37
m
Shrub Height
3
m
Field Height
75
m
Tree Cover
80
%
Shrub Cover
10
%
Field Cover
85
%
Nonvascular Cover
2
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot is located on the lower, NE-facing slope of a NW-trending, upper-slope cove. This site supports mature (probably old-growth) forest with lush herbaceous vegetation. "Pit and mound" topography of tip-up mounds and decaying fallen trees is prevalent. The overstory trees range up to 90 cm DBH; Aesculus flava, Tilia americana var. heterophylla, and Liriodendron tulipifera are most important, with Acer saccharum more common in the sub-canopy. Large Magnolia acuminata are also scattered throughout the area. Underlying bedrock at this site is apparently a calcareous shale which contributes to the development of fertile soils and an extremely rich herb association of Caulophyllum thalictroides, Hydrophyllum macrophyllum, Laportea canadensis, Astilbe biternata, Diplazium pycnocarpon, and many others.