ABSTRACT Plantations with native tree species, which emphasize biodiversity conservation, may not succeed because of a lack of forestry knowledge about the native species. Cabralea canjerana is an important tree species, which is rarely present in area restoration programs because of the difficulty in establishing it in plantations. Despite this, the species is also known for its adaptation to different light conditions. Therefore, this research sought to answer: a) What is the appropriate light level for the initial establishment of Cabralea canjerana seedlings in the field? b) Does seasonality influence the morphological and physiological attributes of Cabralea canjerana plants? The treatments used were: four shade intensities (0, 18, 50 and 70%) and two seasonal periods (spring-summer and autumn-winter). Survival was evaluated at 30 and 360 days after planting, while the morphological and physiological attributes were evaluated at 180 (spring-summer) and 360 (autumn-winter) days after planting. We suggest that Cabralea canjerana be classified as a moderately shade-tolerant species, considering that even in a region with four well-defined seasons, like the one in the present study, its mortality rate was high in full sun, a fact that is corroborated by the morphological and physiological parameters. The planting of Cabralea canjerana seedlings in full sunlight is not appropriate because it causes low seedling survival. It is recommended that planting be carried out under 50% shading. Seasonality influenced the morphological and physiological attributes of Cabralea canjerana plants.