White Trillium

(Trilium Grandiflorum)

This flower is constantly in danger due to overpicking by humans. It grows in backdune habitats beneath trees, where moist soil is present. It should never be picked, and will lose its leaves when picked. Native Americans used this flower for a variety of medicines.

Pitcher's Thistle

(Cirsium pitcheri )

Pitcher's Thistle only grows on the shores of the Great Lakes. It is a threatened specie in Michigan. It can survive the desertlike conditions of Michigan Sand Dunes by having roots up to 6 ft in length.

Milkweed

(Asclepias syriaca)

Milkweed grows abundantly on the coastal dunes of Michigan. Milkweed plays a critical role in the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly as a host plant for its larvae. It has a sweet fragrance and abundant nectar for many pollinators.

Houghton's Goldenrod

(Solidago houghtonii)

Houghton's Goldenrod grows no where else in the world but the shores of the Great Lakes. It prefers the moist soils of the shallow interdunal wetlands. It is a threatened specie in Michigan and is in constant threat due to increased human activity near the shores of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.

EXPLORE: Play the Michigan DNR Plant Dune Game. Click on P. J. Hoffmaster "Dune Dilemma".