Water Shield

Water shield is a perennial aquatic plant with small floating leaves.  These leaves usually grow to about five inches in diameter and are green on the top, and a reddish brown on the bottom.  This plant has small flowers that will grow above the water’s surface that are a dull red color with three to six petals.  Submerged parts of the plant provide a habitat for micro and macro invertebrates as well as fish and amphibians.  The seeds are eaten by ducks and other waterfowl while the roots are eaten by muskrats and nutria.  Water shield thrives in lakes, ponds, and slow streams.  The plants produce specialized buds called turions.  These buds will detach from the mother plant and float away to a new location where they can establish a new plant.  In shallow lakes and ponds, water shield may cover the entire surface of the water and will not allow for the growth of native plants.  It can also make it difficult for fish to find food and for people to enjoy recreational activities on the water.  Water shield can be controlled with a combination of Aqua Pro and Cide Kick II.  These products can help reduce the amount of vegetation in the water so that people and wildlife can enjoy it.