This report discusses the results of a study of 60 black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) paperpot seedlings, of which half were planted with the paper container removed. Planting was done on a drained clearcut in northeastern Ontario at two distances from a drainage ditch. Seedling growth and root development were studied. Results indicated that the paper container was still present 4 years after planting and few roots had penetrated the paper wall. Seedlings planted without the paper had better height and diameter growth, more roots and greater root area; root systems were also less asymmetrical and root spiraling was less common. Adventitious roots were more abundant in seedlings planted in their paper containers, but adventitious rooting had no positive effect on growth.