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
800
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
33
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
7
m
Tree Cover
95
%
Shrub Cover
40
%
Field Cover
60
%
Nonvascular Cover
0.5
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
The plot is located in part of a magnificent hydrophytic oak forest that has minimal beaver impacts. Many nearby parts of the Willis River floodplain probably once supported similar vegetation but have been opened up by impoundments and beaver-cuttings. The stand is located in the "backswamp" portion of the floodplain but is subject to only shallow seasonal flooding and lacks pronounced hummock-and-hollow development. Tall (~ 33m), large-diameter (up to ~ 80 cm) pin oaks and willow oaks form the overstory, with American elm dominating an open understory. According to DOF, the stand originated in 1926, so these trees have grown rapidly. Deciduous holly (Ilex decidua) and the sedge Carex typhina form large dominance patches in the shrub and herb layers, respectively.
