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
36
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
90
%
Shrub Cover
12
%
Field Cover
8
%
Nonvascular Cover
5
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot location: slope ca. 60 m south of Rt. 629 and 0.22 km SW of Rt. 629 bridge over Catharpin Creek. Marked with a metal tree tag. See form/report for sketch. Rock types present: quartzite debris.
This gentle, lower slope was almost certainly heavily cut or cleared long ago, and subsequently reforested with a prevalence of intolerant trees such as Liriodendron tulipifera, Quercus velutina, and Quercus coccinea. Some older Quercus alba and Quercus montana are also present. Stand composition is currently in a transitional stage, with Fagus grandifolia now abundant in the understory and poised to assume future dominance. Cornus florida, formerly an abundant shrub, has nearly been eliminated by anthracnose. Recent, heavy deer grazing was evident (topped-off stems and leaves) on Carex spp., Eurybia divaricata, Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, Polygonatum biflorum var. biflorum, and other herbs.