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
30
m
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot location: SW-facing slope bordering Grove Creek, ca. 0.5 miles N of Sewage Treatment Plant.
Rock Types Present: abundant shell fragments present in mineral soil.
The vegetation of this SW-facing, convex slope is a beautiful example of a mature "shell barren" forest, a small-patch vegetation type associated with dry, extraordinary calcareous soils of Coastal Plain ravines. Large Acer barbatum and Quercus muhlenbergii dominate the stand, with large Quercus alba also scattered throughout. The herb layer is patchy but diverse and contains unusual species, including Verbesina virginica, Campanulastrum americanum, Erigeron pulchellus, Aquilegia canadensis, and Muhlenbergii tenuiflora. There are few, if any, signs of recent disturbance at this site.