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 Cover
70
%
Shrub Cover
30
%
Field Cover
70
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
An isolated, pond like floodplain slough that is seasonally flooded to a depth of about 65 cm. (as determined by water marks on the trees). Habitat was completely exsiccated on date of sampling. Dominant Fraxinus trees have bulbous bases reminiscent of Nyssa biflora of the coastal plain. Stand physiognomy approaches woodland status, with canopy coverage estimated at 60-65%. This slough is flooded more deeply and perhaps for a longer period than the similar habitat documented in Plot #2 from this site, which may account for the somewhat lower species richness. An interesting feature of the vegetation documented here is the common occurrence of Bidens discoidea and Lycopus rubellus on logs and Cephalanthus stems >0.5 m. above the ground surface where they sprouted when the habitat was flooded in spring and early summer. Remarkably, despite a very dry summer and little access to water, these stranded herbs appeared to be thriving on there woody hosts.
Plot location: Depression in floodplain 0.2 miles S of confluence of Hyco River and Mayo Creek (spot marked with a single symbol on 1987 Quad Map-see form for symbol).
