Abstract Northern red and scarlet oak seedlings were grown in pots for 3 years under a forest canopy or in an open field. In January 1974, half the seedlings in each group were outplanted under the canopy and the other half in the open. Those that had developed in the shade broke dormancy 9 days earlier than those that had developed in the open, regardless of outplanting site. One year later, both the shade-grown and open-grown seedlings outplanted under the canopy broke their buds 17 days earlier than those outplanted in the open field. Thus, canopy condition does current canopy condition. Forest Sci. 22:484-486.