From Grotto Falls parking lot, walk on Trillium Gap Trail to Trillium Gap. Turn right, following trail towards Mt. LeConte for approximately 300 meters. Plot is left of trail about 50 meters.
Somewhat exposed site. Ice/wind damage probably chief disturbance type. Slightly concave site. Well drained soil, but high in organic matter due to cool temps. Low light levels at forest floor. -- This slope has smattering of Red Spruce, its occurrence increases up Mt. LeConte. Northern hardwoods border below. Hemlock dominated sites much more abundant below.
Overall Taxon Cover Values are Automatically Calculated?
no
Stem Sample Method
full census
Plot Quality Fields:
Effort Level
Thorough
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Floristic Quality
High but incomplete
Bryophyte Quality
Very incomplete
Lichen Quality
Very incomplete
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
--no data--
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This site represents the lower end of Red Spruce, and the upper end of Hemlock. Site also contains both Rhododendron maximum and R. catawbiense. Very large Red Spruce with buttressed roots. Many trees growing on large "hummocks" (prob. tip-up mounds).
