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 Height
5
m
Tree Cover
15
%
Shrub Cover
20
%
Field Cover
5
%
Nonvascular Cover
15
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This plot best represents the harsh, oligotrophic, very species poor extreme of Pinus virginiana-dominated sparse woodland and scrub communities commonly found on steep south-, southwest- and west-facing middle slopes in the shale (all formations) country. Characteristically, the herb layer and the moss/lichen layer (dominated by Cladina) are sparse to very sparse. There are numerous long dead standing and lying logs, most in the 5-10" dbh range, and no signs of fire. Presumably, severe drought and low nutrients cause high mortality. The live Quercus montana individuals usually have dead or top killed main leaders.
Plot located 2.4 km WNW of Blue Spring Run on the WSW-facing side slope of spur ridge.