Water Shield is an aquatic plant with floating, oval leaves and small, purple flowers. Its leaves are coated with a gelatinous substance that deters herbivores. This species is an important part of freshwater ecosystems.
Best time to see a Water Shield
The best time to see a Water Shield is April–July, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 7,232 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Water Shield? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Water Shield sightings near you
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