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The value of initial stem diameter near the root collar, shoot length and number of first-order lateral roots (FOLR) as morphological indicators of stock quality and field performance was examined for bareroot (1+0, undercut) red oak (Quercus rubra L.) underplanteded in a shelterwood in central Ontario. These three attributes were measured onmore than 400 seedlings prior to planting, and their relationship with height and basal diameter growth two years after planting was determined using correlation and regression analysis. Initial diameter, shoot length and number of FOLR were positively and significantly correlated with second-year height and diameter. These relationships werestrongest for diameter, but this variable explained less than 25% ofthe total variation in growth. Of the three indicators, diameter wasalso the best predictor of several physical characteristics of root systems a two years after planting. Initial diameter was significantly correlated with root volume, root area and lateral root, taproot and total root dry mass. Weaker relationships existed between initial shoot length and number of FOLR and second-year root system features. Stem diameter two years after planting was more strongly related to root volume, area and dry mass than was initial diameter, the probableresult of adjustment in root-shoot balance of planting stock to the shelterwood environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]