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
32
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
0
m
Tree Cover
70
%
Shrub Cover
20
%
Field Cover
80
%
Nonvascular Cover
20
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This plot is located along the Chickahominy River at the upper edge of a low slough / backswamp. The area is flooded about half the year, according to landowner Irvine Wilson. In the vicinity of the plot, the forest has an open canopy dominated by massive Quercus lyrata and Acer rubrum. The non-native plant Murdannia keisak has, unfortunately, become invasive and is now the most abundant herbaceous species, although it is outnumbered by the aggregate of indigenous herbs. The area was grazed in the past (more than 50 years ago; fide I. Wilson). In the more deeply flooded parts of the floodplain, closer to the river, this vegetation grades into Acer rubrum - Fraxinus pensylvanica - Nyssa aquatica forest.