Over the last several decades, many studies proved that the first flowering date(FFD) of most plant species has become earlier in response to global warming. However, the existing results about the impact of climate change on the flowering duration (FD) were quite limited. In this study, we investigated the temporal distribution and trends in FFD, end of flowering date (EFD) and FD of 40 plants from 1978 to 2014 in Mudanjiang, China. Correlation and regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between the flowering phenophases and the preseason temperature. Meanwhile, we have evaluated the applicability of two phenological models (including the regression model and the growing degree day model) in simulating the flowering phenophases. The results showed that: (1) During the observation period, the mean FFD and EFD of the 40 plant species ranged from April 13 to August 27 and from April 25 to September 13, respectively. However, most of FFD and EFD were concentrated in May. The FD ranged from 6 to 69 days, with most of them(62.5%) ranging between 10 and 20 days. (2) During the study period, FFD became later at a mean rate of 0.06 days decade~(-1) with only one species showing a significant trend (P<0.05), while EFD occurred earlier at a mean rate of 0.28 days decade~(-1) (no one significantly). The averaged FD has shortened by 0.35 days decade-1 with only four species showing a significant shortening trend (P<0.05). (3) Most species showed a significant correlation between FFD (or EFD) and preseason temperature. The temperature sensitivities of FFD ranged from -6.2 to -2.3 days/°C~(-1), while those of EFD varied from -5.0 to -1.2 days/°C~(-1). The unapparent trends of flowering phenophases were probably due to the unobvious variation of spring temperature in the study area. (4) The regression model has successfully simulated the interannual changes in FFD and EFD with the mean goodness of fit (R~2) ranging from 0.38 to 0.65, but failed to simulate FD accurately (mean R~2 was 0.17). Compared to the regression model, the growing degree day model has improved the R~2 for simulations of FFD, EFD, and FD. Overall, this study provides a basis for a better understanding of flowering phenological responses to climate change and simulation of flowering phenology.