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
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Field Cover
90
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
The plot represents a variant of Spartina alterniflora vegetation occurring on mud flats within tidal marshes of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Here this habitat is developed in the transition zone between "high" salt marsh dominated by Spartina patens and "low" salt marsh dominated by nearly pure, tall Spartina alterniflora. A short form (ca. 20 cm tall) of S. alterniflora dominates here (ca. 70% cover), with significant admixture of S. patens, Sarcocornia perennis and Limonium carolinianum. The reduced stature and cover of S. alterniflora appear to be related to an extremely dense, root-rich soil.
Plot located in marsh ca. 0.3 mi southeast of the mouth of Janeys Creek.
