Plants at Whitefish Dunes State Park

You may notice flowers blooming later at Whitefish Dunes than in other areas. The close proximity to Lake Michigan keeps their timetable as much as two to four weeks behind the western shore of Door County.

Lake Michigan makes winter weather stay into spring in Door County.
DNR Photo

The cold lake temperature cools the climate, which explains this phenomenon.

Near the lake, hoarfrost may coat plant stalks from last fall.
DNR Photo

Plant Checklists

The plant checklists (see links in the left column) are compiled from:

• Whitefish Dunes State Park's master plan and
• Phenology (periodic biological phenomena correlated with climatic conditions) lists kept over several years by the park naturalist.

There probably are omissions, so if you find a plant that is not in the list, we would appreciate hearing about the plant and its location in the park.

Round-lobed hepatica is one of many spring flowers at Whitefish Dunes.
DNR Photo

The flowers are arranged alphabetically in the season of blooming. Many overlap, so if you don't find what you are looking for, try a season before or after.

Have a question about an animal or plant? Ask the naturalist, (920) 823-2400.