Northern Red Oak Seedling Growth Varies by Light Intensity and Seed Source

Abstract

Northern red oak seedlings from each of three seed sources were subjected for one growing season to one of four intensities of light: full light, 70 percent light, 37 percent light, and 8 percent light. Seedlings grown in the open were taller than those grown in the shade and had more, generally heavier leaves. Height and leaf growth decreased as the amount of light reaching the plants decreased. Seed source, another important factor affecting growth, was related to height growth, number of leaves per seedling, acorn weight, and percent of multiple stems. Forty-one percent of the seedlings from one source had multiple stems, while only 11 percent and 4 percent of the seedlings from the other two sources had multiple stems.

Citation

McGee, Charles E. 1968. Northern Red Oak Seedling Growth Varies by Light Intensity and Seed Source. Res. Note SE-90. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. 4 p.