Bladderwort is a free-floating aquatic plant with finely divided, feathery leaves and no visible roots. It gets its name from the small, bladder-like structures found on its leaves, which function as tiny traps to capture and consume aquatic invertebrates. This carnivorous adaptation helps the plant obtain nutrients in nutrient-poor waters. While beneficial for natural water filtration and providing habitat for aquatic life, excessive growth can sometimes require management to maintain open water areas and prevent interference with recreational activities.