Intensive 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
1000
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
23
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
70
%
Shrub Cover
10
%
Field Cover
1
%
Nonvascular Cover
1
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
A salient feature of this vegetation is the paucity of herbaceous species. Total ground cover << 5%, and several large areas within plot (up to ca. 50 sq. m) are devoid of ground-layer plants. Such a phenomenon is also evident in Acer saccharum stands at Pedlar Hills NAP; it may reflect an artifact of intensive past grazing, but contemporary deer browsing may also be a factor. Scattered throughout stand are patches of Cynoglossum virginianum up to ca. 100 sq. m, which may indicate local disturbance to the overstory. One such
patch is captured in module 7, near a few Quercus velutina snags. Downslope herbaceous richness and cover are much higher, especially where vegetation grades rather abruptly to a more open woodland with shorter trees and a large component of Fraxinus americana. This latter stand seems to represent more of a disturbance feature than a persistent, distinct vegetation type. Opening in modules 6 and 7 contains a high density of Cercis canadensis saplings and small trees.
0 - 2 - leaf litter and duff; in places there is distinct O horizon another 1-2 cm below
2 - fairly dry, light brown clay loam, with abundant fine roots and shale gravel
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
Numerous dead individuals of Cornus florida present in plot. Evidence of past fire includes scant charred wood and a few fire scars.
