FIELD ID CHARACTERISTICS:
Gelatinous coating on undersides of leaves and along stem are distinctive, presumably a defense against herbivory. Leaves vary little in shape but some turn red with age.
Synonym(s): Brasenia peltata
Description: Aquatic plant with floating, elliptical leaves.
Leaves: Elliptical, unnotched floating leaves, with gelatinous coating on undersides and along stems. Leaves are typically about 5 to 7 cm in length, about 2 to 5 cm wide, with rounded ends. Often dark red beneath.
Flowers/Fruit: Small reddish or dark pink flowers rising above the water, with 5 or 6 narrow petals and yellow or red stamens. Flowers June to October; fruits soon after.
Habit and Range: Grows in still water along the edges of ponds and lakes in black and brownwater conditions, in shady to sunny areas. Found statewide, but rare in the Mountains and Piedmont.
Taxonomic Note: This species is the only one in its genus.
COMMON CONFUSIONS:
Compare to Nuphar lutea (yellow pond-lily) and Nymphaea odorata (American water-lily), which both have larger leaves that do not make complete ovals and lack the gelatinous coating beneath.
Click here to view Nuphar lutea.
Click here to view Nymphaea odorata.
Link to side-by-side comparisons page
