54 VEGETATION OF THE PEAK DISTRICT [CH. 
cherry (Prunus Padus) is locally abundant. The ground flora 
is often characterised by tufts of the common rush (Juncus 
effusus); and a smaller species of rush (J. lamprocarpus) is 
often strongly in evidence. Many marsh plants occur, such as 
the meadow sweet (Spiraea Ulmaria) and the great Valerian 
(Valeriana sambucifolia), Ferns are abundant, particularly 
the lady fern (Athyrium Filixz-foemina), and also the wood 
horsetail (Hquisetum sylvaticum and FE. sylvaticum var. capil- 
lare). Almost any of the plants which ordinarily occur in a 
Juncus swamp (see page 147) may be found; whilst the 
following additional species, although very characteristic, are 
more or less local in their occurrence :— 
Phegopteris Dryopteris (rare) Lysimachia vulgaris 
P. polypodioides (local) Myosotis palustris 
Nephrodium montanum Mentha aquatica 
(=N. Oreopteris) Solanum Dulcamara 
Athyrium Filix-foemina Scrophularia nodosa 
A. Filix-foemina var. rhoeticum Valeriana dioica (rare) 
Rumex Acetosa V. sambucifolia 
Stellaria nemorum (local) Petasites ovatus 
Trollius europaeus (rare) Cnicus palustris 
Ranunculus Ficaria C. heterophyllus (rare) 
Cardamine amara (local) Crepis paludosa (local) 
C. flexuosa Deschampsia caespitosa 
Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Carex remota (rare) 
C. alternifolium (local) C. pendula (rare) 
Spiraea Ulmaria C. sylvatica (rare) 
Geum rivale C. helodes 
G. rivale x urbanum (rare) (=C. laevigata) 
Geranium sylvaticum (rare) Luzula maxima 
Angelica sylvestris Juncus effusus 
(2) Damp places with mild humus, It is in these 
places that one finds the most characteristic “woodland 
plants”; but, in a hilly district like this, shade-loving species 
and their typical habitat are much more local in occurrence 
than in lowland woods. Here they occur, as a rule, on moderate 
and well-drained slopes, usually near streams, and where the 
light is not too strong. The oak is the dominant tree: the 
wych elm occurs rather abundantly, and the wild cherry (Prunus 
Cerasus and P. avium) rather rarely. Birches and holly are 
typically absent. Shrubs are moderately abundant, especially 
