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:
Shrub Height
5
m
Field Height
6
m
Shrub Cover
15
%
Field Cover
30
%
Nonvascular Cover
75
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This plot captures the most open portion of a small (ca. one-acre) metabasalt barren occurring within a matrix of oak-hickory forest on the southeast flank of Dobie Mountain, a peak of the northern Blue Ridge. The sample site covers the highest and most convex portion of the barren, at its west end; the remainder is largely vegetated by a dense thicket of Celtis tenuifolia and other woody plants. Much of the surface substrate of the plot is exposed, lichen and moss-covered bedrock, and vegetation is confined to crevices and pockets of soil deposition. About 15% of the plot at its upper edge contains a small thicket of stunted Pinus virginiana, Juniperus virginiana, and Fraxinus americana. The remainder is vegetated with patches of Carex pensylvanica, Danthonia spicata, and numerous lithophytes such as Phemeranthus teretifolius, Sporobolus vaginiflorus, Cheilanthes lanosa, and Cyperus lupulinus ssp. lupulinus. Several depressional areas covered with the bryopohyte Grimmia laevigata suggest that ephemeral seepage runs over the rocks fairly frequently. Commelina communis is a somewhat invasive exotic here, covering about 2-5% of the plot. This and several other weeds have probably migrated onto the outcrop from disturbed areas on the slopes above.
No profile development. Soil limited to shallow deposits of organic-rich silt in crevices and depressions on the rocks.
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
A side trail from the Appalachian Trail leads to an overlook at the top of the outcrop; this is also a popular camping spot. Although one has to scramble downslope to actually get on the barren, it is not that difficult, making this site highly prone to future trampling and degradation.
