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
22
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
90
%
Shrub Cover
45
%
Field Cover
6
%
Nonvascular Cover
3
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot location: ca. 30 m west of Ridge Crest on High Point Mtn., 1.59 km S of the summit. Marked with a metal tree tag. See form/report for sketch. Rock types present: small quartzite fragments.
This plot is situated on a convex, upper slope just below the crest of High Point Mountain. Substantial evidence of past fires (charcoal, tree scars) was noted in this very dry habitat. Although Quercus montana dominates the overstory, Pinus rigida and Pinus virginiana are common associates that probably represent cohorts dating from a major fire. There are indications that the stand was once more open, with mixed oak and pine dominance, but young Quercus montana have become abundant in the understory, perhaps because of a period of fire suppression. The shrub and herb layers are dominated by Kalmia latifolia and other ericads. Only two true herbaceous species occur in the plot.
