Brasenia schreberi J.F. Gmelin. Water-shield, Purple Wen-dock. Phen: Jun-Oct. Hab: Lakes, ponds, sluggish streams, floodplain oxbow ponds, beaver ponds. Dist: NS west to MN, south to s. FL and TX; also from BC south to CA; also in tropical America and the Old World.

ID notes: The elliptical, peltate leaves are distinctive in comparison to our other rooted aquatics with broad, floating leaves. Also distinctive is the thick layer of gelatinous mucilage coating underwater parts of the plant (stems, petioles, and leaf undersurfaces), presumably acting as an anti-herbivory deterrent.

Origin/Endemic status: Native

Synonymy: = Ar, C, F, Fl2, FNA3, G, GrPl, GW2, Il, K1, K3, K4, Mi, Mo2, NcTx, NE, NY, Pa, RAB, S, Tn, Tx, Va, W, WH3

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