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
37
m
Shrub Height
5
m
Field Height
8
m
Tree Cover
80
%
Shrub Cover
55
%
Field Cover
80
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
A well-drained, "rich" floodplain along the Willis River, just outside of the Cumberland State Forest's Willis River Natural Area. The plot represents an area with sandy soil and high cover of leafy, nutrient-demanding forbs. Forest vegetation is strongly dominated by Platanus occidentalis in the overstory, Acer negundo and Lindera benzoin in the understory, and Laportea canadensis and Mertensia virginica in the herb layer. Exotics are numerous and problematic. This vegetation is comparable to that occupying the best drained terraces of large-river floodplains along the James and Potomac Rivers. See plot form for sketch of plot configuration including position of Willis River and trail in reference to the plot.