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
39
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
85
%
Shrub Cover
65
%
Field Cover
95
%
Nonvascular Cover
0.5
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This high floodplain terrace along the Potomac River is flooded relatively infrequently (a rough estimate would be every two to five years). The presence of Liriodendron tulipifera as a major overstory tree attests to the well-drained soils; Platanus occidentalis is co-dominant, with scattered Juglans nigra and Fraxinus pennsylvanica also present. Acer negundo, Asimina triloba, and Lindera benzoin are abundant in the small tree and shrub layers. Although not diverse, the herb layer is lush with spring ephemerals.