GROWTH HABITS OF MOUNTAIN MAPLE IN THE ONTARIO CLAY BELT

Abstract

In 1962 the growth habits of mountain maple were examined on two 1/160-acre plots in each of three areas in the Northern Ontario Clay Belt. It was found on two plots that the canopy which developed following logging came from about 3,200 clones per acre which were established 15 to 25 years previously. Most of the stems originate vegetatively from dormant buds near the bases of existing stems. Up to 95 percent of the stems developed since release. Dying stems produce more progeny than healthy ones. Relative growth rates of mountain maple and over-topped spruce and fir reproduction indicate that it will require at least 35 years for a portion of the reproduction to pierce the maple canopy.