It may be a dominant species in several types of habitat, including balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera ssp.

It is dominant or co-dominant with Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and cup lichen (Cladonia cariosa and C. pyxidata) in Jasper National Park; white spruce and mountain alder (Alnus viridis ssp.

It is most common in moist areas, such as the shores of lakes and bays, riverbanks, bogs, and wet forest floors.

It is often a pioneer species in the primary phase of ecological succession, taking hold in areas cleared of vegetation such as floodplains, bare tundra, cleared spots on taiga, and newly formed dunes.

Clearing events such as floods, oil spills, and wildfire may increase the abundance of the species.

[2] It is a good plant to use for revegetation efforts on wet, disturbed habitat in subalpine and boreal regions.