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
Shrub Height
5
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
70
%
Shrub Cover
65
%
Field Cover
15
%
Nonvascular Cover
70
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Forested depression wetland on a very gentle upland underlain by mafic rocks. A shallow, impermeable clay hardpan impedes drainage and results in shallow flooding for extended parts of the year. Site was completely dry at time of sampling. Unlike the nearby depression represented by plot LUNE003, this site lacks Quercus lyrata and is dominated by Quercus phellos and Liquidambar styraciflua. It also has a much denser shrub layer, primarily of ericaceous species. Although the community is in excellent condition, the stand has been somewhat compromised by the clearcutting of surround upland forests, increasing lateral illumination and the susceptibility of the trees to windthrow.