Introduction

Abstract

Beech forests in Europe and North America are different in overall diversity. In Europe, beech (Fagus sylvatica) often forms pure forests with little or no undergrowth and they remind one of Gothic Cathedrals (Buchen-Hallenwald; Ellenberg, 1986; Figure 1.1). In central Europe, beech is the most abundant broadleaved forest tree, and it dominates forests in most of its physiological tolerance range. In North America, beech forests (Fagus grandifolia) are much more diverse. American beech rarely forms pure forests, and many beech forests are rich in woody species and structurally diverse (Braun, 1950).