Bogbean

Menyanthes trifoliata

Bogbean is a beautiful plant that grows in wet places like marshes. It has lovely white flowers that look like little stars and big, green leaves that float on the water.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Bogbean has erect stems with unique three-lobed, clover-like leaves that appear to float on or emerge from the water. Its beautiful star-shaped flowers are white or pale pink, fringed with delicate white hairs, clustered on a tall stalk.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyMenyanthaceaeGenusMenyanthes

Bogbean

Interesting facts

Bogbean can help clean boggy water by absorbing extra nutrients, keeping its home healthy!

Its scientific name 'trifoliata' means 'three-leaved' – just like its distinctive leaves!

Some traditional healers once used Bogbean leaves to treat fevers and stomach upset!

This plant is sometimes called 'Buckbean' because deer used to enjoy munching on its leaves!

Special abilities

Bogbean can float on water because its stems are spongy and air-filled, helping it thrive in boggy wetlands and access sunlight.

Bogbean has delicate fringed flowers that attract insects by creating a soft landing pad, making pollination easier.

Bogbean has creeping rhizomes that allow it to spread rapidly underwater, helping it colonize new areas and form dense mats.

Measurements & details

Height: 15-40 cm
Spread: 20-50 cm
Flower Size: 1-2 cm
Bloom Season: Spring to Early Summer
Edible: Yes
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

Its fuzzy body helps transfer pollen between flowers.

pollinates

Western honey bee

Apis mellifera

Visits the fringed flowers to collect nectar and pollen.

eaten by

Mallard duck

Anas platyrhynchos

Ducks may feed on its seeds and young shoots.

shelters

Common frog

Rana temporaria

Frogs use dense growth for hiding and hunting.

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Cluster Flower

Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.

Spring Blooming

Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.

Fragrant Flower

Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.

Edible

Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.