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
12
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
60
%
Shrub Cover
60
%
Field Cover
40
%
Nonvascular Cover
1
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This plot is similar to BOTE002 and is located in the most open area of xeric dolomitic woodland on the south-facing slope above Catawba Creek. This part of the slope is strongly convex and covered by stunted Quercus muhlenbergii and Juniperus virginiana, with some Fraxinus americana and Pinus virginiana also present. Cercis canadensis is abundant in the shrub layer. This area is adjacent to a recent clearcut and contains cut Juniperus stumps, which may contribute to its open-canopy condition. Species richness (n = 86) is impressively high, with many drought-tolerant forbs and graminoids present in the stand, among them the rare species Echinacea laevigata and Onosmodium virginianum. Soil samples collected from the sample area have exceptionally high magnesium levels.