Growth and Form: Beech versus Other Dominant Tree Species

Abstract

Because beech species have wide geographic ranges, they must cope with a wide range of environments. For example, the geographic range of Fagus sylvatica is between 37°N and 60°N latitude (Figure 3.4). Because of their wide geographic ranges, beech species are found in different climatic zones, from tropical montane zones, to warm temperate lowlands and to cool temperate zones (Table 4.10, Chapter 4). For example, Fagus grandifolia is found in all three climatic zones. Over such a wide geographic range, overstory tree species that dominate the forest canopy together with beech vary, as they range from evergreen conifer to deciduous broad-leaved to evergreen broad-leaved species. These overstory tree species vary in growth, form and shade tolerance. Compared to beech, most of the deciduous broad-leaved overstory tree species are less or equally shade-tolerant (Ellenberg, 1979, 1986; Baker, 1949).