Strata are used in two different ways in this method. Strata are characterized at the plot level using different strata than those used to note individual species cover within strata
Stratum heights are constructed to reflect the vegetation of the plot. Foliage is then determined to belong to a stratum based only on height of the foliage, not the individual. Lifeform is not considered. An individual's foliage may be broken into different strata.
Total % foliar cover for non-vascular plants and lichens, vascular plants, conifers, hardwoods, regenerating tree (tree seedlings and saplings), shrub and herbaceous