Animals & Plants in Lake Superior

Of all the Great Lakes, Lake Superior is the biggest. Lake Superior, formed during the Ice Age, contains millions of gallons of water and is the third largest freshwater lake by volume in the world. In comparison to other lakes on the planet, Lake Superior is extremely low in aquatic plant and algae production. Lake Superior is bordered by forests and home to continental weather patterns. The Lake Superior region is home to many species of plants and animals, including more than 80 species of fish.

  1. White Pine

    • The Lake Superior region is home to many common native plant species including the white pine (Pinus strobus), Michigan's state tree. The larger conifer can reach heights of more than 200 feet tall. The white pine contains soft needles that vary in hue, from bluish green to silver.

    Chinook Salmon

    • The chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) is typically 20 to 35 inches in length. Also known as the king salmon or shaker, the chinook salmon usually weighs between 5 and 35 pounds. The salmon exhibits a greenish-blue hue on its back and top of its head along with black spots. The fish's sides are silver and his underbelly is white. Unique characteristics of the chinook include a black mouth, dark gums, and spotted tail. The salmon was originally brought to the Great Lakes in the 1870s as a way to curb invasive species such as alewife.

    Flowering Rush

    • Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) is an exotic aquatic plant that grows along the shoreline of Lake Superior and is capable of growing in water up to 10 feet deep. An invasive species with deep roots, the flowering rush intrudes on native plants. The flowering rush contains flowered clusters that grow in umbrella-like shapes. The flowers of the flowering rush have three pinkish petals. The perennial is not native to the Great Lakes region and was introduced from Europe and Asia.

    Walleye

    • Growing to lengths over 3 feet long and weighing up to 25 pounds, the walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) is the largest member of the perch family. The walleye can often be found in the shallow water of Lake Superior. A coveted game fish, the walleye is simple to recognize with its golden tint and white tip on its tail fin. The walleye has over-sized eyes that allow it to see its small prey, which includes minnows, leeches, nightcrawlers, snails, and mudpuppies. The carnivorous walleye feeds at night and also eats other fish including yellow perch.