Watershield Identification & Treatment
Scientific Name: Brasenia schreberi Category: Floating (rooted) Tier: 2 — Regionally Significant — Common in multiple EPA ecoregions
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Identification
Watershield has small (1–4 inch), oval to elliptic floating leaves with a thick, slimy, gelatinous coating on the underside. The leaf stalk attaches to the center of the leaf (peltate). There is no slit or notch in the leaf (unlike water lily). Small, dull purplish-red flowers emerge above the surface. Key distinguishing features:
- Thick, slimy gelatinous coating on leaf underside (diagnostic)
- Oval floating leaves with central stalk attachment
- No slit or notch in leaf edge
- Smaller than water lily leaves
Treatment
Recommended Natural Waterscapes Products:
- Navigate Granular (2,4-D) — Systemic granular herbicide.
- Aquathol K (endothall) — Contact herbicide.
- Harvester (diquat) — Contact herbicide. The gelatinous coating can reduce herbicide uptake; a surfactant is recommended.
Full Profile
- Native Range: Native to North America
- US Distribution: Eastern US, particularly EPA ecoregions: Northern Lakes and Forests, Northeastern Highlands, Southeastern Plains. USDA Zones 4–10.
- Regulatory Status: Not regulated (native).
- Habitat: Ponds and lakes with soft, acidic water. Grows in 2–6 feet of water.
- Ecological Benefits: Important native plant. Provides shade, invertebrate habitat, and wildlife food. The gelatinous coating deters many herbivores but some turtles and beaver feed on it. Moderate coverage is desirable.
Sources: Texas A&M AquaPlant – Water Shield | USDA PLANTS Database
Related Species
- Water Lilies (Nymphaea spp. (fragrant water lily N. odorata, others) and Nuphar spp. (spatterdock/cow lily)) — Floating (rooted), Tier 1
- Floating Heart (Nymphoides spp. (N. peltata — yellow floating heart; N. cristata — crested floating heart)) — Floating (rooted), Tier 2
- Sago Pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata (formerly Potamogeton pectinatus)) — Submerged, Tier 2
- Bladderwort (Utricularia spp.) — Submerged (free-floating), Tier 2
- Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) — Emergent / Submerged, Tier 2
- Cabomba (Fanwort) (Cabomba caroliniana) — Submerged, Tier 2
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