EVALUATION OF HARDINESS OF BETULA-PENDULA AND BETULA-NIGRA TO THE CANADIAN NORTHEAST CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

A 5-yr study was conducted to evaluate the winter hardiness and growth potential of seedlings of Betula pendula and Betula nigra in order to provide adequate recommendations regarding their adaptation to differ ent climatic conditions. Plants were grown at nine sites of the Reseau d'Essais des Plantes Ligneuses Ornementales du Quebec. Betula pendula and B. nigra were not severely affected by winter conditions at any s ites and could be used in zones 2 and 2a, respectively. Although, B, p endula could be successfully grown in all tested area, B, nigra could be better produced in zone 5.