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
34
m
Shrub Height
3
m
Field Height
2
m
Tree Cover
90
%
Shrub Cover
15
%
Field Cover
60
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This plot occupies a forested levee along the Meherrin River. The plot occupies the backslope of the levee and extends into a shallow, intermittent channel being actively cut along the backside by floodwaters. The entire area is lower-lying than most of the Meherrin floodplain and is scoured more frequently by floods. Platanus occidentalis dominates the vegetation in a nearly pure stand of medium-sized, multi-trunked trees that apparently resprouted after this site was clearcut approximately 35-40 years ago. The understory is characterized by thickets and tangles of Smilax vines interspersed with open areas occupied by stands of Chasmanthium latifolium and other herbs.