Menyanthes trifoliata - Bogbean - (Menyanthaceae)

Bogbean is widespread throughout the UK and Ireland. It is also found throughout northern and central Europe including Slovenia.

Looking far more exotic and beautiful than its common name suggests, Bogbean thrives in shallow pools, fens and marshes. The leaves and flowers all occur above the surface.

Bogbean

The name Bogbean comes from the similarity of the leaves, when they first open, to those of the Broad-bean plant. The beautiful star-shaped flowers have an amazingly intricate structure when they are fully open. Their stems often grow to around a foot in height.

The intricate flowers of Bogbean

Bogbean can be seen in bloom from March to the end of May.

The specimens shown on this page were photographed in West Wales in April.