Menyanthes trifoliata
Menyanthes trifoliatafam. Menyanthaceae
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Pl. 2371 — Menyanthes trifoliata
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IOverview
Overview
Menyanthes trifoliata, commonly known as bogbean, is a perennial herb native to Albania and found in wet habitats such as bogs and marshes. This plant reaches heights of about 0.3 meters and thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH range of 4.8–6.5. Its edible parts include the roots, making it a valuable forage or ingredient in culinary preparations. Bogbean is known for its distinctive trifoliate leaves, each composed of three leaflets, which are a key identifying feature.
Quick answers
What is Menyanthes trifoliata?
Menyanthes trifoliata, commonly known as bogbean, is a perennial herb native to Albania and found in wet habitats such as bogs and marshes. This plant reaches heights of about 0.3 meters and thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH range of 4.
What is Menyanthes trifoliata used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Menyanthes trifoliata
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Menyanthes trifoliata has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support digestive health, particularly for conditions like indigestion and bloating. A decoction of the root is often recommended.
The mechanism by which Menyanthes supports digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that influence gut motility or reduce inflammation.
- Traditional-use note: Menyanthes trifoliata appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tincture. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Menyanthes trifoliata support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Menyanthes trifoliata thrives in wet conditions and prefers light to heavy soils with a pH between 4.8 and 6.5. It requires partial shade to full sun, with moderate light needs. This perennial grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions from zones 2-7. For propagation, division or seed sowing can be used. Harvest the edible root parts for culinary use.
Light
7/10
Water
Wet, Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
2-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
4.8–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Menyanthes trifoliata for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and forgiving plant like Skip, which thrives in wet conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Skip plants, containers or ground space, potting mix if using containers.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skip in early spring or late fall when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil with a pH between 4.8–6.5, ensuring it's moist but not waterlogged.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant Skip from containers into the garden or directly sow seeds in the ground after danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and avoid direct sunlight for the first few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage to maintain plant health and appearance; roots can be harvested in late fall.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a location, using incorrect soil pH.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe10 regions
native (10)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyRussia
Asia2 regions
native (2)AfghanistanChina
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Buryatiya, Føroyar, Amur, Connecticut, Altay, Baltic States, British Columbia, Colorado, Alberta, Aleutian Is., Arizona, California, Chita, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Menyanthaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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