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
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
35
%
Field Cover
5
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot occurs on a low-relief recurved dune at the south end of Smith Island (Smith #4 bird-census plot). These low dune ridges are arranged en echelon and represent successive stages of pit accretion. A short-statured maritime forest occurs on these old dune ridges. Prunus serotina, Sassafras albidum and Pinus taeda appear to be the most abundant canopy trees, while Ilex vomitoria and Myrica spp. are common species in the high shrub layer. These forests tend to have a very open understory with little low shrub cover. The forest floor is sparsely covered with herbs, including Chasmanthium laxum and shrub and tree seedlings. The dense canopy makes the forest floor quite shady.