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
8
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
8
%
Shrub Cover
12
%
Field Cover
65
%
Nonvascular Cover
60
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
The plot is located on the east end of the massive actinolite schist outcrops that cap Bald Knob, a classic western mafic Piedmont monadnock. The size of the exposures at this site presented a rare opportunity to sample a 400 square meter herbaceous outcrop plot. Unlike the three 100 sq. m. plots sampled by Rawinski in 1990 at the summit (FRAN001, 002, 003), this sample is located about 14 m (vertical) below the crest on a steep, slightly concave outcrop. Enhanced ephemeral moisture availability is probably responsible for a somewhat greater density of herbaceous cover, and higher overall species richness, in this sample than on most outcrops on Bald Knob. Conspicuous and abundant non-vascular species in the plot include Grimmia cf. pilifera, Xanthoparmelia conspersa, Cladonia subtenuis, C. uncialis, Fuscidea recensa, and a white Porpidia sp. Bald Knob is one of only five known sites for an undescribed and unnamed Talinum sp., which is one of the dominant lithophytic herbs.
