Abstract: In this paper, Quercus wutaishanica seedlings were selected as the research object to elucidate the effect of microhabitat on the growth of the seedlings. In the Q. wutaishanica forest in Malan forest zone on the Mt. Ziwuling, the growth parameters of 1-3-year-old Q. wutaishanica seedlings and the microhabitat variables were studied by using the typical line transect method and laboratory test. The results showed that the height, stem base diameter, bud number of seedlings of 3-year-old seedlings were significantly different from those of 1-year-old and 2-year-old seedlings. Along with the increase of seedling age, the seedling growth rate reduced gradually, and the microhabitat variables and the growth parameters of seedlings were in an increase trend, which revealed that there was a time lag in the effects of microhabitat on the growth of seedlings. Litters are one of the important factors of restricting seedling growth, a suitable shade of tree layer is an optimal environment for the growth of 1-year-old and 2-year-old seedlings, and the optimal environment for the growth of 3-year-old seedlings is gap. Therefore, gap is necessary for the ecesis of Q. wutaishanica.

Key words: early seedling, microhabitat, Quercus wutaishanica, time lag effect, gap, litter