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
100
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Shrub Cover
70
%
Field Cover
15
%
Nonvascular Cover
10
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
A mostly dense, xerophytic shrubland dominated by Quercus ilicifolia, with a scattering of stunted Pinus rigida and P. pungens (< 3 m tall), Kalmia latifolia, and stunted Quercus montana. A few low-cover herbs such as Schizachyrium scoparium, Carex tonsa, and Danthonia spicata occur on small, open ledges and rock faces. This habitat was burned in 1986 and probably has a longer history of fire; however, it appears that the scrub physiognomy and composition of this community is largely the result of an extremely dry, hot, exposed habitat.
Plot location: NE peak of Rocky Mountain, on SW side of summit along trail.