Primarily wind dispersed, but red squirrels spread some. Most wind-dispersed seeds fall within two tree heights of parent tree. Seeds on the ground susceptible to bacteria and fungi. Viability of seed only about 1 year after dispersal. Neither light nor pH appear to influence germination appreciably.
Seeds require a moist but unsaturated substrate for germination.
The best seedbed is warm, moist mineral or organic soil free from competing vegetation. Slow-growing sphagnum mosses also provide a good seedbed, as they tend to remain moist. In open swampy habitats, seedlings are often found on sphagnum mosses. Feather mosses usually poor seedbeds because they tend to dry out, but can be favorable if moist. Has the unusual ability to produce root sprouts up to 30' from parent tree.