Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Menyanthaceae ⟩ Menyanthes trifoliata / bogbean

Menyanthes trifoliata L.

bogbean (Menyanthaceae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadSlight tendencyNW
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Menyanthes trifoliata lives in shallow, unshaded water across the British Isles.

Carneddau (VC49: Caernarvonshire); 2007-06-04

 bogbean / Menyanthes trifoliata: _Menyanthes trifoliata_ lives in shallow, unshaded water across the British Isles.

Menyanthes trifoliata is heterostylous; some flowers, like these, are ‘thrum’, with long stamens and a short stigma.

Carneddau (VC49: Caernarvonshire); 2007-06-04

 bogbean / Menyanthes trifoliata: _Menyanthes trifoliata_ is heterostylous; some flowers, like these, are ‘thrum’, with long stamens and a short stigma.

Other flowers are ‘pin’, with a long stigma and short stamens; separating the two parts prevents self-pollination, helping to ensure out-breeding.

East Boldre (VC11: South Hampshire); 2016-05-12

 bogbean / Menyanthes trifoliata: Other flowers are ‘pin’, with a long stigma and short stamens; separating the two parts prevents self-pollination, helping to ensure out-breeding.

The fruit of Menyanthes trifoliata is a capsule that breaks open into 2 valves.

East Boldre (VC11: South Hampshire); 2020-05-19

 bogbean / Menyanthes trifoliata: The fruit of _Menyanthes trifoliata_ is a capsule that breaks open into 2 valves.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne