Aquatic, Wetland and Invasive Plant
Particulars and
Photographs
University of Florida, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
Drawing
Brasenia schreberi
water shield
Native to Florida
The water
shield is a floating-leaved plant, but the long leaf stalks reach all the way to the bottom
where they attach to a long creeping root that is anchored in the mud. Water shield occurs in
lakes, ponds and slow streams, and prefers water up to six feet deep. There is just one species of
Brasenia in Florida (Wunderlin, 1998). Water shield is generously sprinkled throughout the
majority of the U.S., including AK; and in Canada (Kartesz, 1999).
Water shield
leaves are oval and shield-shaped. Its leaf stalks are
attached at the centers of the leaf blades. Its submersed parts and undersides of leaves are
covered with a viscous jelly-like substance. Its flowers are small, dull purple,
and emerge from the water on a stalk.
Home |
Previous Page |
Common Names |
CAIP-WEBSITE@ufl.edu
Copyright 1998-2001 University of Florida