Bogbean
Menyanthes trifoliata
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Bogbean is one of the most beautiful aquatic plants — the flowers are extraordinary: pink on the outside of the bud, opening white with a fringe of long white hairs on the petals, giving a wonderfully delicate appearance. It grows at the edges of pools and in boggy ground in the dune slacks. The three-part leaves (like a large Clover) emerge from the water. Despite the name it is not related to beans — the 'bean' refers to the leaf shape.
At a Glance
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Menyanthaceae |
| Habitat | Dune slack pond edge · Fen · Shallow pool · Bog |
| UK population | Widespread but declining; amber-listed in Wales; requires open water |
| Sefton Coast | Present in suitable dune slack pools at Ainsdale NNR |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Deeper, more permanent dune slack pools at Ainsdale NNR. Requires open standing water.
Identification
Emergent aquatic plant. Large three-part leaves like a giant Clover. Flowers on tall stems: pink buds opening white with beautifully fringed petals. Growing in shallow water or boggy ground.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Visit the dune slack pools at Ainsdale in May. Bogbean flowers are extraordinary close-up — the fringed petals are unlike anything else in the British flora.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is of moderate conservation concern. Population monitoring and habitat management on the Sefton Coast support its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bogbean related to garden beans?
No. Despite the name, Bogbean is not related to beans (which are in the pea family, Fabaceae). The name refers to the leaf shape — the three leaflets look somewhat like a broad bean leaf. Bogbean is in the family Menyanthaceae, a small family of aquatic and bog plants. It has been used medicinally as a digestive bitter.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.