Watershield

(Brasenia schreberi)

Watershield (Brasenia schreberi)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Brasenia schreberi, commonly known as Watershield, is a deciduous perennial aquatic herb native to quiet freshwater habitats such as ponds, slow-moving streams, and lakes across various regions including North America, East Asia, Australia, and Africa. It typically grows to a height of 0.3 feet (0.09 meters) and can spread to a width of 6 feet (1.8 meters) due to its rhizomatous growth habit. The plant is characterized by its floating, peltate (shield-shaped) leaves that are glossy and bright green on the surface, with a distinctive gelatinous coating underneath. The small, purplish-red flowers are not particularly showy but are interesting due to their unique two-day blooming cycle, where they transition from female to male reproductive phases. The flowers bloom from June through September.

Watershield is valued for its ability to provide cover for aquatic wildlife and for its ornamental qualities in water gardens and ponds. It is often used to reduce algae growth by shading the water surface. In cultivation, it requires an aquatic environment, thriving in part shade to full sun conditions. Watershield prefers standing water and can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they are submerged. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread rapidly and may need to be controlled to prevent it from dominating a water feature.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.1-0.3 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Aquatic
  • Drainage: Standing

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Quiet freshwater habitats such as ponds, slow-moving streams, and lakes across North America, East Asia, and Australia

Other Names

Common Names: Water-Shield , Water-Target , Schleimkraut , Malebelebe , Chun Cai , Junsai , Sunchae , 순채 , Batatillo , Mazamorra , 蓴;蓴菜

Scientific Names: Brasenia schreberi , Hydropeltis pulla , Brasenia peltata , Brasenia purpurea , Hydropeltis purpurea , Brasenia hydropeltis , Brasenia nymphoides , Brasenia pelta , Cabomba peltata

GBIF Accepted Name: Brasenia schreberi J.F.Gmel.