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
200
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
9
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
10
%
Shrub Cover
30
%
Field Cover
45
%
Nonvascular Cover
10
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This plot documents a small limestone barren (~ 800 square meters) that is gradually being invaded by shrubs and small trees. Plot was placed in the most open area, which has significant cover by crumbling limestone rock. Herbaceous vegetation is patchier than in most barrens, due to shading from shrubs and/or dense rock substrates. The perennial grasses Schizachyrium scoparium and Bouteloua curtipendula, and the annual Sporobolus vaginiflorus, have the highest covers. The leading woody species are Juniperus virginiana, Quercus muhlenbergii, and Cornus florida. Overall species-richness is surprisingly high.