Comparative Growth of Peatland, Upland, and a Superior Black Spruce Stand in Ontario

Black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) has a wide ecological range (MacLean and Bedell, 1955). The species generally grows in pure stands in peatland conditions, but on uplands, stands occur in various admixtures with other boreal forest trees. It can, however, be found in pure stands or nearly pure stands on sandy soils.