AN EFFECT OF SPHAGNUM ON THE GROWTH OF BLACK SPRUCE

Black spruce (P. mariana (Mill.) BSP.) grows slowly and reproduces with difficulty on most of the lowland sites where it normally occurs. An examination of the rooting systems of small and large trees indicates that growth was initiated at points substantially below the present ground surface. From the evidence available it is adduced that the growth of sphagnum is responsible for the poor growth and regeneration of the black spruce.