The vegetation of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is as varied as is the habitat and weather of the park. Plants growing in the sandy dunes and beaches have adaptations for surviving the extremes of hot, dry conditions, wind and blowing sand. Plants such as sea rocket have succulent leaves to hold moisture. Bearberry has tough, leathery leaves to reduce evaporation. Pitcher's thistle leaves have a velvety surface to reduce desiccation by the wind and spend several years developing a deep root system before they flower, set seed and die. Dune grass has deep roots to reach water. The story of the plants in the park is a story of adaptation for survival.