SafePlants

Brasenia schreberi: The Water Shield

Brasenia schreberi, commonly known as water shield, is a fascinating aquatic plant found in various regions worldwide. Its unique characteristics and ecological role make it an interesting subject for plant enthusiasts.

Considerations for Pets

• Brasenia schreberi is covered in a thick coating of gelatinous slime, which might be interesting to pets.
• The plant produces nutlike fruits with 1 or 2 seeds. These fruits could be a potential choking hazard for small pets.

Considerations for Children

• Brasenia schreberi is covered in a thick coating of gelatinous slime, which might be interesting to children.
• The plant produces nutlike fruits with 1 or 2 seeds. These fruits could be a potential choking hazard for small children.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Brasenia schreberi J.F. Gmel.
• Common Names: Water shield, dollar bonnet, water target, purple wen-dock, brasnie de Schreber, watershield, frogleaf, little water-lily
• Family: Cabombaceae (Water-Lily Family or Nymphaeaceae)
• Synonyms: Brasenia peltata Pursh, Brasenia purpurea (Michx.)
• Typus: B. schreberi J.F.Gmel.

Distribution and Habitat

• Brasenia schreberi exhibits a wide distribution, occurring in North America, Asia, Australia, and Africa.
• It thrives in aquatic environments such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams.
• It is native to California and found elsewhere in North America and beyond.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Brasenia schreberi is a perennial plant that grows to a height of 0.1 meters (0ft 4in) and can spread up to 2 meters (6ft).
• It is a floating-leaved rooted plant.
• Leaves are oblong, ranging from 5-12 cm in length.
• Flowering occurs from July to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite. They are brownish purple to pinkish red, with 6 or 8 downward parts.
• Stems, petioles, and the undersurface of leaves are covered with a clear mucilage.
• The rhizomes produce numerous plants from a given "mother plant".
• The fruits are nutlike with 1 or 2 seeds.

Ecological Role

• Brasenia schreberi occurs in natural ponds and impoundments, including ponds, beaver ponds, and lake margins.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Studies have examined the pollination biology of Brasenia schreberi, confirming self-pollination.
• It is a food source for some insects, such as Galerucella birmanica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Quirky Facts

• The plant is known for its thick coating of gelatinous slime that covers young stems, buds, and the undersides of leaves.
• Junsa, derived from Brasenia schreberi, is a specialty of Akita Prefecture in Japan, where 90% of its production is concentrated in Mitanech. It is used as a biological lubricant.

Further Information

• MICHIGAN FLORA ONLINE
• Database of Vascular Plants of Canada (VASCAN)
• Atlas of Florida Plants