Abstract:We studied the relation between light climate and growth strategies in canopy speciesFagus crenataandAcer mono, and subcanopy speciesCarpinus cordata, to evaluate if differences in growth strategy can contribute to coexistence of shade-tolerant tree species. The study was carried out in the Ogawa Forest Reserve in central Honshu, Japan. For saplings of each species, we analyzed the relation between growth patterns and tree-size and light-environment factors. All three species had higher growth-rates in higher light levels, but an increase in light level affected growth rates differently in the three species.Acer monohad the highest growth rates, and was most affected by annual variation in the environment, probably temperature and duration of sunshine.Fagus crenatahad lower growth rates and showed little annual variation in growth. OnlyFagus crenatashowed response in the 90–100% canopy-cover range.Carpinus cordatahad intermediate growth rates, and crown size and growth rate were not much affected by light levels. BothFagus crenataandCarpinus cordatahad conservative growth patterns which may enhance their survival in the shade. Although interaction among the three species is not important, difference in growth patterns affects each species’chances for survival and may help promote coexistence in heterogeneous light environments.