Abstract
To clarify the factors affecting the survival and growth of Salix gracilistyla growing along rivers, 20 cm long cuttings (1-year-old) were planted on a gravel bar along a river of which survival, shoot length, and herbivory by caterpillars or hares were examined. Flooding duration on the ground surface showed a negative effect on survival at the early stage after planting, but showed a positive effect three months later. Caterpillar herbivory showed a positive effect on survival while hare grazing did not. For sprouting tree species, herbivory on shoots may contribute to survival of cuttings indirectly by reducing transpiration surface area. Only flooding duration affected positively the shoot length at the end of the growing period. At the early stage of establishment, S. gracilistyla cuttings would find it difficult to survive at a low elevation with longer flooding duration, while about three months later, survival and growth would be promoted under longer flooding duration. Herbivory would promote indirectly the survival of plants with high sprouting ability growing at a river side. Flooding duration at the ground surface would affect plant survival differently depending on the growth stage.
