European beech found in Loretto amid leaf disease spread

October 17, 2026

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Six observations of were recorded September 26 at the same location in Loretto, suggesting an established ornamental or naturalized stand.¹ Introduced European beech and native American beech are both susceptible to beech leaf disease, now present in 65 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties and caused by a foliar nematode that deforms leaves and can kill trees.¹

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