Downslope grades to a rich, dry oak-hickory forest. Hemlocks in bottom are dead. Upslope grades to successional Virginia pine following fire, then top of knob and ridge is extensive chestnut oak / heath forest to Virginia border.;Steep, shaly slope on hot aspect, above a small creek. Community is a woodland dominated by stunted Virginia pine and chestnut oak. Tall shrub layer has bear oak, pignut, and sgadbush. Understory uncludes deerberry and Pensylvania sedge, there a few of the less strict shale barren endemic herbs. There is charcoal on ground, and abundant dead snags and down wood without fire scars. Site may be kept open by fire and drought.
Representativeness
Small patch shale barren, plot centered on more open patch.
