Formation This beautiful wildlife poster is brought Winds, blowing shoreward at speeds of 8 to 25 to you by the thousands of citizens who miles per hour, begin to move the sand grains. The have contributed to the Nongame Wildlife size of the grains which are moving is directly re- Fund on their state tax form or by a direct lated to wind velocity – lager grains require higher donation to the fund. It portrays the unique, wind speeds. These bouncing sand grains resemble tiny, skipping ping pong balls as they are moved by fragile, beauty and ecological value of sand the wind through a process called saltation (see fig- dune habitats, one of the most important el- ure 1). Colliding with each other, barely a foot or two ements of ’s rich natural heritage. off the ground, they may meet a slight obstruction, such as a clump of grass, which deflects the wind and allows sand grains to drop. Thus a slight mound Michigan Coastal or hummock is created.

Introduction Michigan’s shoreline is a showcase for 275,000 acres of sand dune formations. An interaction be- tween blustery winds and waves has moved and Suspension carved fine sands into the largest display of fresh- water dunes in the world. These beautiful sand Wind Saltation formations contain a diversity of life, climatic con- ditions, and geological relief unique to Michigan. Saltation Creep A visit to a sand dune provides an opportunity to experience a landscape of natural sounds, smells, and sights. Feeling the clean sand beneath your feet as the fresh lake breezes bathe your face is one of the values of Michigan’s magnificent sand dunes. We have a responsibility to protect and preserve this natural legacy for the enjoyment and Figure 1. Sand movement by wind: saltation and wise use by our present and future generations. surface creep.

We hope this poster will enhance your enjoy- The wind continues to push sand grains up the wind- ment and appreciation of the sand dune ecosys- ward side of the dune crest, causing the dune to grow tem by introducing you to its geology and ecology, in the downward direction. Many sand grains continue as well as to the human impact of this unique, moving and eventually roll down the steep backslope. A fragile environment. dune is slowly being formed, and its continued growth depends upon perennial vegetation, wind, and sand. Geology Because dune plants act as barriers to sand move- Michigan’s glacial history provides an explana- ment and hold migrating sand, they play a critical role tion for the formation of dunes. The Great Lakes in the formation and stabilization of dunes. dune complex is relatively young, in terms of geological time. As recently as 16,000 years ago, Major Dune Types Michigan was covered with glacial ice thousands Parallel dunes are a series of low, linear dunes of feet thick. The glacial ice contained a mix of formed parallel to the shores of large shallow bays. boulders, cobbles, sand, and clay. During glacial The parallel dunes along the eastern shore of Lake melting, this deposit was left and is known as gla- Michigan were formed about 4,000 years ago during cial drift. the Lake Nipissing stage of , when wa- ter levels were 25 to 30 feet higher than present day This glacial drift is the source of sand in most Lake Michigan water levels. Rivers entering the bays of Michigan’s dunes. The sands were either erod- carried abundant sand, which was then moved along ed from glacial drift along the coast by wave ac- the shore by lake currents. tivity or eroded from inland deposits and carried by rivers and streams. Only the hardest, smallest, On-shore winds formed these sands into low-laying and least soluble sand grains were moved. Waves dunes. As the water level of ancient Lake Nipissing and currents eventually moved these tiny rocks dropped, a series of parallel dunes were created. They inland, creating beaches along the Great Lakes occurred in areas that were formally wide bays in Lake shoreline. Nipissing. Parabolic Today, some examples of parallel dune complex- Dunes es can be seen at the mouth of rivers, including the Muskegon, Kalamazoo, and Grand. Remnants of

several ancient bays now are coastal lakes, such as dunes Axis of dune Hamlin Lake in Mason County, Silver Lake in Oceana

County, and White Lake in Muskegon County. Parallel Onshore Wind

Blowout Blowouts are saddle-shaped or U-shaped (para- bolic) depressions in a stabilized sand dune, caused Beach by the local destabilization of the dune sands. Blow- outs, which originate on the summit or windward face of a dune, are often rapidly formed by the wind, Figure 2. A blowout and parabolic dune inter- creating narrow channels and exposing plant roots. ruption of a Michigan shoreline. From: Bird, 1969, Blowouts can create interruptions in the shape of page 139 parallel dunes that may result in deeply carved in- dentions called parabolic dunes (see figure 2). It is Parabolic Dune the combination of interwoven parallel dune ridges that characterizes the classic dunes from Indiana, northward to Ludington, in Michigan.

The moving sand from the blowouts often buries forest on the steep lee slopes. Blowouts may also AXIS uncover the bleached trunks of trees still standing after being buried in the dry sand for hundreds of years. These “ghost forest” are silent testimonials to ancient forests buried by blowouts in the past.

Dune Life Zones Blowouts have historically been caused by natural The dune ecosystem is made of several zones disturbances, such as fires, wind storms, or plant with very different physical characteristics. They diseases. However, in recent decades, human activi- are as follows: ties and disturbances or destruction of sand-hold- ing vegetation has initiated blowouts. Off-road vehi- Beaches are zones where water meets land. The cle traffic and human foot traffic are major causes, constant movement of sand by the wind, pounding but clearing of protective dune vegetation to build storm waves, and winter ice and snow make this a homes, cottages, and commercial buildings has formidable habitat for any living thing. For this rea- also resulted in large-scale wind erosion-man –made son, few plants or animals live on the beach. Most blowouts. Continuous human disturbance has the wildlife seen there are just visitors. Among these potential for much more widespread destabilization visitors are scavengers ranging in size from small because it does not allow blowouts to stabilize. flies and beetles to shore birds, herring gulls, and even bald eagles. The remains of fish, birds, and Perched Dunes are some of the more famous and insects washed ashore provide food. most spectacular land features in Michigan. They are actually wind-blowing sand dunes perched atop glacial Mammals that venture down the beach include moraines. Glacial moraines, common landforms in the raccoon, skunk and fox, which wait until dark Michigan, are ridges of sand, gravel, stone or clay left to search the shoreline for food. A recent study by retreating glacial ice. The moraines lying along the conducted on North Manitou Island revealed an present shoreline of the Great Lakes were subjected unexpected scavenger: white-tailed deer that feed to wind and wave erosion. Sand, moved by waves and on dead alewives. long-shore currents, was blown up the steep faces of the moraines by on- shore winds, accumulating along The sea rocket is one of the few plants special- the summits and leeward sides, forming perched ly adapted to withstand the pounding of waves dunes. The famous dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes and other adverse conditions. It sinks its roots to National Lakeshore are a well-known example. Others the water table and stores water in its succulent include those on the Manitou and Fox Islands in north- leaves. ern Lake Michigan and Grand Sable Banks near Grand The foredune is the first ridge behind the beach. Marais in Lake Superior. Although foredune are above wave action most of the time, they are regularly subject to storm es and sedges grow in the shallows. waves. Dune forests can be found on stabilized dunes protected from intense wind erosion. The domi- Like the beach, life in the foredune is a daily nant forest type varies as one travels north along struggle against shifting sand, scarcity of nu- the coastline. In southern Michigan dunes, oak- trients, rapid water drainage, high evaporation hickory forests are common. Northern dune for- rates, and storms. Out of the reach of waves, a ests are dominated by beech, maple and hem- few hardy plants, such as marram grass and sand lock. reed grass, are able to survive. These grasses are The uniqueness of dune forests stems from known as pioneer species, because they are one the fact that they develop on steep, barren sand of the first plants to become established, and slopes that are a short distance from open dunes. they create habitat for other plants by stabilizing The contrast between cool, shaded dune forest the soil with their extensive root systems, thus and the extreme temperatures and intense sun- increasing the soil’s capacity to retain water and light of the open dune can be striking. Through nutrients. Marram grass spreads quickly by send- thin and slow to accumulate, the topsoil of dune ing stems to the surface to form new plants. As forests supports a variety of spring wildflowers drifting sand accumulates in the marram grass, and woodland plants. the central stem continues to grow, keeping the plant’s leaves exposed to the sun and air. This Studies of dune slopes reveal varying patterns keeps the grass from being buried and increases of vegetation, depending on the direction of sun- the height of the foredune. light and the amount of shade, moisture, and pro- tection from the wind. For example, Eastern hem- A foredune stabilized by these grasses can host locks prefer shady north-facing slopes. Spring a wide variety of wildflowers and shrubs. They in- wildflowers such as the white trillium bloom in clude beautiful clusters of the yellow hairy puc- abundance on south-facing slopes where they can coon, the common milkweed, beach pea, sand absorb more sunlight. cress, smooth rose, bearberry, poison ivy, wild grape and sand cherry. Foredunes will remain sta- Bearberry by Carl Freeman-- ble as long as the vegetation is undisturbed. Courtesy of the National Parks Service, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Unlike plants, animals can escape the extreme temperatures and harsh conditions. Most birds migrate seasonally or retreat daily to the cover of heavy vegetation. Many animals are nocturnal and are most active during the cooler nighttime hours. Like the plants, animals that live on the grass-covered foredune have special adaptations that help them survive the extreme temperatures of the summer and winter. Surface temperatures on the open dunes can reach 120 degrees Fahren- heit. The sand wolf spider is adapted to extreme temperatures by living in a burrow deep under the DUNE PLANTS sand. Its sandy brown color also helps it blend into Lichens, fungi, mosses, grasses, wildflowers, its surroundings when leaving its burrow time. shrubs and trees all are part of a dunescape. All dune plants must adjust their survival to the Interdunal wetlands are shallow ponds or pools harsh environment. Drying winds, low soil mois- located between dunes. They typically are found ture and fertility, and intense sunlight along with between low dunes or sand spits created when blowing sand are conditions that affect the growth water levels drop or as shoreline currents change. of dune vegetation. In most active parts of the Ponds may vanish during dry periods. These fluc- dune, only a few species of grass and shrubs can tuations in water table are important for plants survive; on more protected areas, forests become such as the threatened Houghton’s goldenrod. established. The animals and plants found in and around in- Dune plants have evolved special adaptations to terdunal wetlands are similar to those inhabiting the harsh environment. Some are gray-green and most ponds. Insects like water striders may skate covered with tiny hairs that act like a reflective across the surface. Whirligig beetles make erratic blanket, reflecting light to prevent heat loss and patterns on the surface. Shorebirds, like greater aiding in transpiration. The sea rocket, a member yellow-legs, feed on the rich insect life. Spikerush- of the mustard family, has fleshy stems that hold moisture. Its root system is able to withstand con- Critical Dunes, dated February 1989, developed by tinual wave action at the shoreline. the Land and Water Management Division, Depart- ment of Environmental Quality (DEQ). As sturdy as they seem, dune plants are espe- cially sensitive to human disturbance. Walking or Passage of part 353 came after years of effort by driving all terrain vehicles on them may cause de- Governor James J. Blanchard, a number of legisla- struction of surface vegetation and root die-off. tors, representatives of local governments, environ- This exposes a dune to wind erosion, allowing the mental groups, the Natural Resource Commission, sand to move or open up channels in its form. and the DEQ. Part 353 originally amended the Sand Without sand dune plants, the integrity and pres- Dunes Protection and Management Act, 1976 PA ervation of a stable dune complex cannot exist. 222, by expanding regulated uses to include com- mercial, residential, and industrial developments, in Ecology addition to the mining industry already regulated by Many of the fundamental concepts of plant the existing act. The standards in the acts are in- succession and ecology were first identified as a tended to ensure that the dunes are protected when result of studies made on Lake Michigan’s sand new uses and developments are proposed that sig- dunes. The struggle of plant communities to pio- nificantly alter the physical characteristics of a criti- neer and evolve on barren sand is a complex pro- cal dune area. The standards, among other things, cess known as succession, in which natural com- require new uses to be set back behind the crest munities replace each other. Each stage of plant of a critical dune, limit the amount of grading and succession creates different microenvironments. vegetation removal allowed, and prohibit construc- These microenvironments are created by chang- tion on steep slopes. es in temperature, moisture, and light intensity caused by plants and animals occupying the site. Publicly Owned Dunes Approximately 40 percent of the costal dunes are Dune systems are well suited for the study of in public ownership and managed by federal, state, succession and ecological change because of the or local units of government. State-owned lands are rapid changes which occur. For example, when managed by the DEQ and DNR/Natural Resources drops in lake levels expose sand spits or create Commission policy guidelines designed to fit the ap- new foredunes, these features are rapidly colo- propriate use with the sensitivity level of each dune nized by beach grass. Within one or two human area. The DEQ and DNR will continue to coordinate generations the vegetation can change from beach and cooperate with federal and local units of gov- grass to shrubs to trees. Storms and high lake lev- ernment to develop consistent management plans els can cause an even more rapid change in plant for all public sand dune areas. communities. Additional References Saving the Dunes Dune Country – A Guide For Hikers and Natu- ralists, Glenda Daniel, The Shallow Press, Inc., Chi- SAND DUNE LEGISLATION cago, 1977. Coastal dunes are in danger of being destroyed The Geology of Michigan, John A. Dorr and Don- by overuse, misuse, and unwise development. They ald F. Eschman, University of Michigan Press, Ann are popular sites for home building, off-road ve- Arbor, Michigan, 1970. hicle use and other intensive recreational uses, as Sand Dunes, A Geological Sketch, Robert W. well as sand mining and other commercial activi- Kelly, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, ties. Such activities, when allowed to continue in an Lansing, Michigan, 1962. uncontrolled and improper way, may result in dune Pattern of Revegetation of a Shoreline Dune destruction. Recognizing this threat, the people of Area, Allegan County, Michigan, R.L. Reinking and Michigan enacted legislation in 1989 to more ad- D. G.Gephart, The Michigan Academician, Volume equately ensure protection of the dunes. The Sand 11, Number 2, Fall 1978. Dune Protection and Management program, being Vegetation and Common Plants of Sleeping Bear, part of 353 on the Natural Resources and Environ- P.W. Thompson, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bul- mental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, forms the ba- letin 52, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, 1967. sis for protecting sand dunes from indiscriminate A Guide to Sand Dune and Coastal Ecosystem development. Part 353 of establishes protective Functional Relationships, Joan M. Peterson and Dr. standards on dunes considered to be the most sen- Eckhart Dersch, Michigan Cooperative Extension sitive. Such areas are now legally defined as critical Service. Extension Bulletin E – 1529 – MICHU-SG- dunes and include 70,000 acres along shorelines of 81-501. Lake Michigan and Superior. Critical dunes are des- Coasts, Chapter 6 “Coastal Dunes”, E.C.F. Bird ignated by the acts and are identified in the Atlas of Cambridge, Mass; M.I.T. Press 1969. SAND DUNE VIEWING AREAS

Listed below are locations where sand dunes can be found and enjoyed in Michigan. Remember that dune habitats are fragile and easily damaged by human activity. Visit these areas in small groups and use boardwalks or special viewing platforms when available.

FACILITY / ADDRESS COUNTY/PHONE FACILITY / ADDRESS COUNTY/PHONE 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Alger County 10. Mears Oceana County Box 40 (906) 387-2607 P.O. Box 370 (616) 869-2051 Munising, MI 49862 W. Lowell Street Pentwater, MI 49449 2. Highway Viewing Eastern Upper Peninsula Mackinac County 11. Silver Lake State Park Oceana County 1498 W. 2 Route 1 Box 187 (616) 873-3083 Mears, MI 49436 Eastern Upper Peninsula St. Ignace, MI 49781 3. Emmet County 12. Muskegon Box 380 (616) 436-5381 3560 Memorial Drive County Carp Lake, MI 49718 North Muskegon, MI 49445 (616) 744-3480

4. Emmet County 13. P.J. Hoffmaster State Park Muskegon 2475 - M 119 (616) 347-2311 6585 Lake Harbor Road County Carp Lake, MI 49718 Muskegon, MI 49441 (616) 789-3711

5. Fisherman’s Island State Park Charlevoix 14. Ottawa County P.O. Box 456 County 6585 Lake Harbor Road (616) 842-6020 Charlevoix, MI 49720 (616) 547-6641 Grand Haven, MI 49417

6. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Leelanau County 15. Ottawa County P.O.. Box 277, 9922 Front Street (616) 326-5134 Ottawa Beach Road (616) 399-9390 HWY M-72 Holland, MI 49424 Empire, MI 49630

Southwest Lower Peninsula Lower Southwest 16. Saugatuck State Park Allegan County 7. Manistee County c/o Holland State Park (616) 399-9390 2064 Lakeshore Road (616) 723-7422 Ottawa Beach Road Manistee, MI 49660 Northwest Lower Peninsula Lower Northwest Holland, MI 49424 8. Mason County 17. Van Buren State Park Van Buren Box 709 (616) 843-8671 2390 Ruggles Road County Ludington, MI 49431 South Haven, MI 49090 (616) 637-2788

9. Nordhouse Dunes Manistee County 18. Berrien County U.S. Forest Service (616) 723-2211 Sawyer, MI 49125 (616) 426-4013 1658 Manistee Highway Manistee, MI 49660 19. Berrien County Stevensville, MI 49727 (616) 426-4013

20. Albert E. Sleeper State Park Huron County 6573 State Park Road (517) 856-4411 Caseville, MI 48725

21. St. Clair County 7605 Lakeshore Road, Route 1 (313) 327-6765 Port Huron, MI 48060 Eastern Peninsula Lower

LOCATION OF MICHIGAN COASTAL DUNES

For more information, visit:

The GILLETTE NATURE CENTER, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, sand dune interpretive center. Located in P.J. Hoffmas- ter State Park, Muskegon, the center features multi-image presentations, exhibit hall, class- room, galleries and hiking trails and board- walks into the surrounding dues of the Park. Call 616-798-3573 for information.

COMPLIMENTS OF:

Numbers on map refer to sand dune viewing area list. Dark lines refer to coastal sand areas. MICHIGAN’S NONGAME WILDLIFE FUND: A decade of commitment to helping wildlife. Look for the ... on your state LOON tax form.

Become a working member in this Wildlife Partnership. Your contributions have helped to:

• reintroduce the peregrine falcon in Michigan, with the first successful fledging of chicks in over 40 years.

• bring back trumpeter swans to Michigan’s wetlands.

• provide school children with educational posters and teaching activites on Kirtland’s warvlers, gray wolves, raptors and bluebirds.

• provide information to landowners on protected Great Lakes plants.

• create watchable wildlife opportunities.

• offer tips on creating butterfly gardens, wildlife nest boxes and wildflower gardens.

For more information or to make a donation to this important wildlife program, contact: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Nongame Wildlife Fund, P.O. Box 30180, Lansing, MI 48909-7680.

This poster was reprinted through citizen EQUAL RIGHTS FOR NATURAL RESOURCE USERS donations on the state income tax form and The MI Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) assistance from Coastal Zone Management. provides equal opportunities for employment and for It is not intended for sale. access to Michigan natural resources. State and fed- eral laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital status, height, and weight. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, Printed by Authority of: PA 451 of 1994 activity, or facility, please write the MDNR Equal Op- Total Number of Copies Printed..... 200, 000 portunity Office, P.O. Box 30028. Lansing, MI 48909, Cost Per Copy...... $0.149271 or the MI Department of Civil Rights, 1200 6th Avenue, Detroit, MI 48826, or the Office of Human Total Cost...... $29,854.25 Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC 20240.

This poster reprint is produced with the cooperation of the Natural Heritage Citizen’s Com- mittee, DNR Press Office, Parks and Recreation and Wildlife Divisions, and the Department of Environmental Quality’s Land and Water Management and Geological Survey Divisions. DESCRIPTIONS OF DUNE numbers are often seen flying to- as deer habitat, yet the white-tail PLANTS AND ANIMALS gether. When conditions are favor- is a common summer resident, able, hundreds of birds may form and its tell-tale tracks are a preva- huge flocks, called kettles. In this lent feature of open dunes. INVERTEBRATES formation, the birds circle together to the tops of warm air thermals Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes fulva) Monarch Butterfly (Danaus Plex- and then glide to another with Although common in coastal ippus) minimal effort. In using the ther- dunes, the red fox is found in a wide Often called the Milkweed But- mals the birds expend less energy variety of habitats throughout the terfly, this large black-veined or- during their long flight to and from state. This bright-colored canid is ange-winged butterfly can be South America where they spend seldom seen due to its largely noc- observed feeding on milkweed. their winters. turnal nature. Its tracks and scat During its matting behavior, the are evidence of its presence. This adult male monarch will display Piping Plover (Charadrius melo- popular furbearer is much smaller a “courtship dance.” Perching on dus) than most people believe. A large the tips of the milkweed, it will Piping plovers look like a small, fox will stand 14 inches high and fly to other large butterflies to see pale killdeer with a single dark weigh only 12-15 pounds. It can if one is a female monarch; if it breast stripe. Their preferred habi- easily pass through a four-inch hole. is, they will fly together in a fast, tat is a wide, sandy beach along The red fox has been described as darting flight, lasting up to a min- the Great Lakes shore in areas that an everything eater. Its diet is very ute and covering many yards and have scant vegetation and scat- diverse, from berries and insects to to a height of 100 feet. As fall ap- tered stones. Their nesting territo- frogs, small mammals and birds. proaches, the monarchs can be ries often include a small stream or Its mainstay is small mammals seen in large numbers migrating interdunal wetland. Piping plovers such as the meadow vole and white along the Great Lakes shorelines lay four eggs in a small scrape on footed mouse. The fox’s barking call enroute to Mexico and Central the ground and depend on the col- is often heard at night. America. oration of their eggs and feathers for protection. Piping plovers are Man (Homo sapiens) Lake Huron Locust an endangered species in Michi- Can you find the man in the poster? gan. There are only about 15 pairs (Trimerotropis huroniana) on the entire Great Lakes shoreline, Open, sparsely vegetated north- PLANTS all of which nest in Michigan. They ern Michigan dunes is home to this winter on the Atlantic and Gulf of silver gray locust with the pale yel- Mexico Coasts. Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila) low hindwings. A lack of suitable A familiar low shrub of coastal undisturbed habitat has resulted dunes, this creeping plant can be in listing this species on the spe- American Goldfinch (Carduelis found along most of Michigan’s cial concern list in Michigan. truistis) shores and in several other habi- The American Goldfinch male tats throughout the state. It occurs is well known, with its bright yel- VERTEBRATES throughout open dune areas and low body contrasting with black typically colonizes foredunes, serv- wings and a black cap. It is one ing as an important sand stabiliz- Reptile of the common songbirds found er. The plump, roundish cherries, in dunes. They are one of the lat- which are substantially larger than Eastern Hognose Snake est nesting birds, typically nesting those produced by black cherry, (Heterodon platyrhinos) in July and August. Goldfinches choke cherry or pin cherry, are ma- Sometimes called a puff adder, feed primarily on seeds but feed ture when they turn a deep black- the hognose snake is thick-bod- insects to their young. They will ish-purple. The fruits are edible ied, slow moving, and harmless to often be seen feeding on seeds in and a favorite wildlife food, sweet humans. This species was named weedy areas. The goldfinch is one but somewhat astringent tasting, for its flattened, upturned “nose”, of the most common birds at win- and usually much more suitable which it uses as a shovel while bur- ter feeding stations in Michigan. for making jellies and jams than rowing into the soil in search of eating directly from the bush. food. Rarely more than three feet long, hognose snakes come in a MAMMALS Beach Grass, Marram Grass variety of colors – usually gray, (Ammophila breviligulata) brown, yellow or olive – and may- White-tailed Deer (odocoilus Beach grass is clearly one of be solid colored or patterned with virginianus) the most critically important dune dark spots and blotches on a light- The White-Tailed deer is one plants. Its fast-growing rhizomes can er background. They are typical in- of Michigan most popular and respond to the constantly shifting habitants of the wooded dunes of successful animals. Noted for its sands, enabling the species to serve western Michigan. beauty, grace, keen sense and as a significant sand-binder. Sand wariness, it is found in every Mich- reed grass, Calamovilfa longifolia, is Birds igan County. Unlike many of our also a common grass of the dunes, native species the white-tail has bearing tough rhizomes that allow it flourished because of its ability Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo to perform a similar ecological role. to adapt to disturbed areas, al- The latter species, which is usually a platypterus) teration of forest habitat, and our much taller plant than beach grass, Broad-winged hawks are soli- hodgepodge of land use practices. can also be distinguished by its more tary forest birds except during Dunes are not usually thought of open seed heads. their migration period, when large Pitchers Thistle (Cirsium pitcher) world on marine coasts and inland willow, a shrubby species like the This rare and easily recognized shores, is a native legume found preceding, can also be expected thistle occurs primarily within the along much of Michigan’s shore- along Michigan’s sandy shores state of Michigan. It is protected line. Beach pea can be recognized and dunes. by state and federal endangered by its alternate leaves that are di- species laws as a threatened plant, vided into several segments and Wormwood (Artemisia campestris) the clusters of purple to blue pea- and is known globally only from Clustered Broom-rape (Oro- like blossoms. open dunes along the shores of banche fasciculate) Lake Michigan, Huron, and Supe- A widespread species of sandy rior. The stems and deeply divided Hairy Puccoon (Lithosperum soils, wormwood is also a very spine-tipped leaves are distinctly caroliniense) characteristic plant of Michigan’s bluish-green covered with dense, When in bloom, this member of dunes. The foliage has the typical white-woolly hairs. The flowers the borage family can be readily silvery, blue-green aspect of many are cream-colored, sometimes be- spotted on the open sand dunes other sand dune species. In up- coming slightly pinkish, and have by its clusters of bright yellow-or- per Lake Michigan, especially on a faint pleasant scent. ange, tubular flowers. This species perched dunes you may find the is characteristics of the dune but rare fascicled broom-rape. It is a also occurs inland in dry sandy oak threatened species. This parasitic Lake Huron Tansy (Tanacetum barrens and other upland prairie- plant, which is also distributed in huronense) like sites. A very similar species, the prairies of the Great Plains, Lake Huron tansy is a threat- Hoary puccoon, Lithospermum ca- does not produce chlorophyll, and ened plant of the coastal dunes, nescens, is found in open woods in Michigan always occurs in as- occurring on the northern shores and prairies. sociation with wormwood, its only of Lakes Michigan and Huron known host here. and the Lake Superior shoreline. Harebell (Campanula Rotundifolia) This large-headed tansy, which Commonly occurring on many Bearberry, Kinnikinick (Arcto- also occurs in northeastern North of Michigan’s dunes, though not staphylos uva-ursi) America, has lacy, hairy leaves restricted to them, the harebell This low evergreen shrub oc- and bright yellow, virtually ray-less flowers through much of the sum- curs in several habitats through- flower heads that emerge in mid mer, creating bright splashes of out Michigan, including the dunes – to – late summer. Like the com- blue on the dunes and beach land- of all of our shores. The trailing mon garden tansy, which can be scape. Often growing in clumps stems have a papery, shreddy bark, distinguished by its much smaller the perennial, narrow-leaved and bear oval, dark green, leathery flower heads and non hairy leaves, plants have milky sap, an aid to leaves about one inch long. The all parts of the plant have a very identification. The blue flowers are tiny bell-shaped flowers, which are characteristic pungent odor when slightly nodding and bell-shaped often white pinkish tips, arise in crushed. with short lobes. terminal clusters, producing dull reddish berries that, although ed- Houghton’s Goldenrod (Solidago Creeping Juniper (Juniperus ible, are rather tasteless. houghtonii) horizontalis) This threatened plant is protect- As suggested by the scientific Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) ed by both federal and state en- name, this evergreen is a low, trail- One of several milkweeds oc- dangered species laws. Its global ing plant. It occurs in a variety of curring in Michigan, this milkweed range is almost entirely restricted habitats in northern Lower Michi- species is our most common. The to Michigan, where it occurs in in- gan and the Upper Peninsula. It dense round clusters of dull purple terdunal wetlands along the north- thrives on the open dunes, particu- flowers have an extremely sweet ern shores of Lake Huron and larly in areas with alkaline (basic) fragrance and produce abundant Michigan, primarily in the Macki- substrate. Its needle-like foliage is nectar, attracting a wide variety nac Straits region, it produces rel- very similar to that of our common of pollinators, among them the atively large flower heads. red cedar. The cones are berry-like large and striking monarch butter- and eaten and dispersed by birds. fly. Milkweed plays a critical role Sea-rocket (Cakile edentula) in the life cycle of the monarch, Although sea-rocket can some- Sand-dune Willow (Salix cordata) serving as the preferred host plant for its conspicuously black and times be found at some distance Sandbar Willow (S. exigua) from the water’s edge, even on yellow-striped larvae and for the perched dunes, it most often occurs Blueleaf Willow (S. myricoides) green chrysalis rimmed with gold on the beach strand where its seeds Although many willows are dots attached to the bottom of a are typically deposited. This unusu- plants of wet places, several grow leaf. Because of the abundance of al member of the mustard family on coastal dunes. Despite the dif- milkweed on Michigan’s coastal occurs in Michigan primarily on the ficulty often encountered in identi- dunes, the dunes form an impor- shores of Lakes Huron and Michi- fying willows, the sand dune willow tant migration pathway for this gan. At maturity, the fruits break can be easily identified by its rela- beautiful butterfly. into segments that become dis- tively broad leaves that are slightly persed in the water, producing new heart-shaped at the base and usu- plants when the seeds are washed ally covered with dense, silky hairs. ashore on some distant strand. The wide-ranging sandbar willow, a common species of the dunes, Beach Pea (Lathyrus japonicas) can be recognized by its very nar- This somewhat low, sprawling row long leaves that have widely plant, which ranges around the spaced teeth. Finally, the blueleaf