Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin

WATER SHIELD

(Brasenia schreberi J.F. Gmelin)

WATER SHIELD FAMILY (Cabombaceae)

IND. STATUS: OBL

FIELD CHARACTERISTICS: An aquatic perennial herb. The leaves are floating, lack a notch and have petioles that are attached at the middle of the blade. Leaves are 1 dm. or less in diameter and more or less elliptical, scattered on a stem that trails through the water. Flowers are dull purple and 2-3 cm. wide. Sepals and petals usually number 3, sometimes 4. In flower from June to September.

ECOLOGICAL NOTES: Water shield is found in lakes, marshes, and ponds, including bog ponds. A gelatinous coat covers the stem, petioles and lower surfaces of the leaves.

SOURCE: Fassett (1957); Fernald (1970); Gleason and Cronquist (1991); and Voss (1985).

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