Perennial aquatic rhizomatous herbs. Leaves are mostly floating, occasionally held just above the water. The leaves areobicular to ovate or subsagittate, entire, with a single deep sinus extending to the central petiole. Flowers are borne singley on long peduncles, floating or held just above the water. Hypogynous, sepals or tepals 4-6. Stamens numerous the filaments sometimes broadened. Compound pistil. Numerous ovules with laminar placenation. Fruit is fleshy, dehiscing under water.
Some authors put Brasenia into the family Cabombaceae.
Genera in Manitoba:
Brasenia Nymphaea Nuphar