Occurrence is on a south-facing steep shale slope overlooking the flood plain of South Branch Potomac River which undercuts the slope in places. Upslope to the north the woodland grades quickly to white oak and chestnut oak forest at the summit, with some large virginia pines as well. To the east are rocky cliffs overlooking the river, and to the west is a different shale barren community. The present occurrence is divided in two by a more vegetated narrow hollow with a small stream.;These are steep slopes with no ground vegetation to stabilize the loose shale.
