64 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 samhucifolia). Ferns are abundant, particularly 

 the lady fern (Athyrium Filix-foemina), and also the wood 

 horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum and E. 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) 



Ruraex Acetosa V. sambucifolia 



Stellaria nemorum (local) Petasites ovatus 



TroUius 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 

 Gerasus and P. avium) rather rarely. Birches and holly are 

 typically absent. Shrubs are moderately abundant, especially 



