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watershield
Scientific Name: Brasenia schreberi
Family: Cabombaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Water Shield: An Aquatic Plant Profile
The term "water shield" refers to several aquatic plants, most notably Brasenia schreberi, and sometimes Cabomba caroliniana.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant has floating oval to elliptical leaves.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Brasenia schreberi
- Common Names: Water-shield, watershield, water shield, dollar pad, water target
- Cabomba caroliniana is also sometimes referred to as Carolina water-shield.
- It belongs to the water lily family.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- Brasenia schreberi is a perennial plant with relatively small, floating oval to elliptical leaves (up to 5 inches in diameter) without a slit.
- The leaf stalks are attached at the centers of the leaf blades.
- Its submersed parts and the undersides of its leaves have jellylike coating.
- It is a rooted plant that floats on the surface, similar to water lilies, but with much smaller leaves.
Distribution and Habitat
- Brasenia schreberi is a native plant found in lakes and ponds, such as those in Washington.
- It likes similar wet environments as young Nuphar lutea (yellow pond lily).
- It is an aquatic plant found in lakes and slow-moving streams.
Ecological Role
- Dense growth of watershield can sometimes interfere with the pond environment, especially in shallow water areas with excess nutrients.
- Watershield provides good habitat for fish.