Radial growth patterns, canopy recruitment characteristics, and disturbance histories were examined in a shade-tolerant species,NyssasylvaticaMarsh., and a shade-intolerant species,LiriodendrontulipiferaL., to determine the influence of canopy gaps in species with contrasting life histories. Tree cores of these co-occurring species were taken from three mixed-Quercusforests in northern Virginia. MostN.sylvaticaindividuals became established prior to 1850 and experienced multiple release and suppression periods coinciding with logging during the late 1800s and early 1900s. ManyL.tulipiferabecame established during the early 1900s following logging, and only a few individuals experienced prolonged suppression periods. Regardless of site,L.tulipiferagrew faster thanN.sylvatica(average radial growth >1.70 mm/year forL.tulipiferavs. <0.82 mm/year forN.sylvatica.).Liriodendrontulipiferaalso exhibited longer periods of mean yearly growth >2 mm (15–37 years forL.tulipiferavs. <5 years forNsylvatica). Consecutive growth <0.5 mm/year ranged from 43 to 66 years inN.sylvaticavs. 2–11 years inL.tulipifera. Ring width patterns indicate that both species used different strategies following disturbance that enabled them to coexist in these forests.Nyssasylvaticapersisted in subcanopy positions for extended periods of time but was capable of responding to release even after 170 years (i.e., gap facultative). In contrast,L.tulipiferaappeared to rely on a strategy of rapid height and radial growth for canopy accession following large disturbances (i.e., gap obligate). The results of this study indicate the importance of using dendroecological techniques in the study of forest dynamics and species' growth strategies.