Ferns and Fern Allies of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 1931 and 1932

Abstract

During the years 1931 and 1932 the following ferns and fern allies have been found in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, by a group of half a dozen fern students, beginners all. Lancaster County, an area of over 960 square miles, is a very beautiful region of varied topography and soil belts and consequently has a rich and diversified flora. The great Susquehanna River valley, along its southern edge, in which the rocks are predominantly mica-gneiss, is rich in the rare Aspleniums. The lovely river glens, moist and shady, with a deep accumulation of rich leafmold, contain a greater number of species than any other section. To the north is a mountainous region of red sandstone soil. The great central basin is a limestone region, comprising some of the richest farm land in the country. To the southeast is a serpentine belt. The whole offers a remarkable inspiration and challenge to the botanist. OPHIOGLOSSUM VULGATUM L. One station, a swampy field near the Dillerville swamp. BOTRYCHIUM MATRICARIAEFOLIUM A. Braun. Two stations. About twenty-five plants in a ravine at Martic Forge and one plant, very large and healthy, in the Muddy Run ravine. BOTRYCHIUM OBLIQUUM MAuhl. Common. BOTRYCHIUM DISSECTUM Spreng. Common. BOTRYCHIUM ANGUSTISEGMENTUM (Pease and Moore) Fernald. Two stations. Five plants in a ravine at Martic Forge and nine in the Muddy Run ravine. BOTRYCHIUM VIRGINIANUM (L.) Sw. Common. OSMUNDA REGALIS L. Common. 13