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
400
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
25
m
Shrub Height
2.5
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
85
%
Shrub Cover
40
%
Field Cover
80
%
Nonvascular Cover
10
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Outstanding, extremely rich forest with several characteristic, eutrophic calciphiles present, including Euphorbia corollata, Uvularia grandifolia, Jeffersonia diphylla, Hybanthus concolor, Dirca palustris, and Polymnia canadensis. Although total surface cover of boulders is relatively low, outcrops abound, resulting in variable microtopography and creating microhabitats strongly influenced by seepage and moisture retention. In the driving rain especially, footing is insecure and difficult, and considerable disturbance to the ground layer could not be avoided. Very dense shrub stratum, dominated by Staphylea trifolia and Lindera benzoin, may limit herbaceous cover from being even higher. Plot limited to 400 sq. m due to several restrictions: well-worn deer trail and transition to dominance by Tsuga canadensis
in direction of plot PINN001P, an abrupt end to the navigable slope at a nearly sheer cliff beyond plot, and canopy disturbance downslope. Very shallow soil hindered collection of soil sample. Panax quinquefolius observed within 3 m of plot.
