Adaptation of Liquidambar styraciflua to coal tailings is mediated by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

► Plant adaptation to mine soil is expressed in slower growth. ► Evidence of local adaptation with plants from a coal mine, and plants from a nearby undisturbed area, growing better in their respective soils types ► Evidence of mycorrhizal mediation of plant local adaptation. Mycorrhizal plants were more responsive when grown in their native soil type and mycorrhizal fungi colonized more roots when they were paired with their native soil type.