We studied three understory tree species within two similarly aged (60-100 years old) hardwood forest stands located on the eastern peninsula of Maryland. In order to determine if Magnolia, Sassafras and Aralia have adopted similar strategies in their understory environments, we recorded the location, height, diameter, nearest neighbor and light levels for each individual. Additionally, we examined the genetic composition using ISSRs on 20-25 individuals of each species at each site. The smallest individuals composed a larger proportion of the population in Magnolia and Sassafras than in Aralia. Aralia was father from canopy trees, which suggest a greater need for higher light intensity. We compared genetic diversity levels between populations, which were low. However, we were able to map ISSRs for each species and distinct patterns were observed. Sassafras had more unique genotypes suggesting a higher level of sexual reproduction, while Aralia and Magnolia exhibited a larger number of identical genotypes.

Key words: Aralia, ISSR, Magnolia, Nearest Neighbor, Sassafras