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
32
m
Shrub Height
4
m
Field Height
75
m
Tree Cover
85
%
Shrub Cover
20
%
Field Cover
60
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This northeast-facing, concave ravine slope supports an apparently even-aged stand of mixed mesophytic hardwood forest. The dolomitic substrate and very high soil Ca and Mg are clearly reflected in the composition, which is dominated by nutrient-demanding species in all strata. Acer saccharum, Tilia americana var. heterophylla, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Fraxinus americana are the leading overstory dominants, under which Lindera benzoin and Staphylea trifolia form an open shrub layer. The herb layer is less dense than many rich cove forests but contains dominance patches of Caulophyllum thalictroides, Jeffersonia diphylla, Cimicifuga racemosa, and Asarum canadense, along with many additional species at lower cover. This vegetation contrasts sharply with more acidic forests and calcareous woodlands that cover larger areas in TNC's Den Creek Woodland preserve.