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
26
m
Tree Cover
90
%
Shrub Cover
70
%
Field Cover
50
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This vegetation is part of a sizable patch representing northern hardwoods at the higher elevations of High Knob. Although second-growth, the stand sampled here appears to have been disturbed less recently than most in the area and is characterized by an overstory association of mostly tolerant species (Acer saccharum var. saccharum, Fagus grandifolia). Despite the very strongly acidic soils with low base status, the herb layer contains several species characteristic of fertile habitats (e.g., Caulophyllum thalictroides, Laportea canadensis).
Plot located just south of trail from High Knob Campground to High Knob and ca. 0.73 km ENE of High Knob summit.