Water shield is a floating aquatic plant with oval-shaped leaves that resemble small water lilies but lack a slit. These leaves typically do not exceed 4.5 inches in diameter. One of the plant’s most distinctive features is the mucus-like, gelatinous coating found on its stems and new growth tips. Often thriving in acidic waters, water shield provides excellent habitat for fish and waterfowl. While beneficial for aquatic ecosystems, it can spread rapidly in some areas, occasionally requiring management to maintain open water and prevent excessive coverage.