| Summary: | Host preference of root endophytes of the three European tree species of Norway spruce (<i>Picea abies</i>), common ash (<i>Fraxinus excelsior</i>), and sycamore maple (<i>Acer pseudoplatanus</i>) were investigated in two forest stands near Zurich, Switzerland. The focus was placed on members of the <i>Phialocephala fortinii</i> s.l. (sensu lato)—<i>Acephala applanata</i> species complex (PAC), as well as other dark septate endopyhtes (DSE). PAC species were identified based on 13 microsatellite loci. Eleven PAC species were found, with <i>Phialocephala helvetica</i>, <i>P. europaea</i> being the most frequent. All but cryptic species 12 (CSP12) preferred Norway spruce as a host. Though very rare in general, CSP12 was most frequently isolated from maple roots. Regarding the abundant PAC species, <i>P. helvetica</i> and <i>P. europaea</i>, the preference of spruce as a host was least pronounced in <i>P. europaea</i>, as it was also often isolated from ash and maple. It is the first record of PAC found on common ash (<i>Fraxinus excelsior</i>). <i>Cadophora orchidicola</i>, a close relative of PAC, has frequently been isolated from ash. Various species of the <i>Nectriaceae</i> (<i>Cylindrocarpon</i> spp.) have often been isolated, particularly from maple roots. By comparison, <i>Pezicula</i> spp. (<i>Cryptosporiopsis</i> spp.) was found to be abundant on all three hosts. <i>Phomopsis phaseoli</i> exhibits a clear preference for spruce.
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