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; se. Asia.

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: = AqW, Ar, C, F, Fl2, FNA3, G, GrPl, GW2, Il, K1, K3, K4, Mi, Mo2, NcTx, NE, NY, Pa, RAB, S, Tat, Tn, Tx, Va, W, WH3; = Brasenia peltata Pursh; = Brasenia purpurea (Michx.) Casp. – S13; = Menyanthes nymphoides L.

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: OBL
• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: OBL
• Great Plains: OBL
• Midwest: OBL
• Northcentral & Northeast: OBL

Heliophily: 8