Bog-bean
Menyanthes trifoliata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Menyanthes trifoliata (Bog-bean) is a native aquatic forb found across most US states, blooming white flowers from May through July in wetlands and bog margins.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bog-bean as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
6"–24" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 32 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bog-bean is an aquatic perennial with three-leaflet compound leaves and showy white flowers that bloom from May through July. This plant requires consistently wet conditions and thrives in bog gardens, pond edges, or rain gardens with standing water.
Growing Bog-bean
Grow Bog-bean in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bog-bean takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires specialized wetland conditions
- Appearance may seem unkempt without proper water feature context
- Limited to very specific aquatic garden settings
Wildlife value
The fragrant white flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. This wetland plant provides habitat for aquatic insects and amphibians in water garden settings.
Common questions
- Where does Bog-bean naturally grow?
- Bog-bean is native to wetlands, bogs, and shallow water areas across most US states from coast to coast, including the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes region, and Northeast.
- When does Menyanthes trifoliata bloom?
- Bog-bean produces white flowers from May through July, with peak blooming typically occurring in late spring to early summer.
- What pollinators visit Bog-bean flowers?
- Bog-bean flowers attract bees and beetles, which serve as the primary pollinators for this wetland species.
- What growing conditions does Bog-bean need?
- This aquatic forb requires consistently high moisture or shallow standing water and tolerates partial sun to full shade conditions, making it ideal for bog gardens and pond margins.
- Is Bog-bean toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bog-bean as toxic to livestock.
- Is Bog-bean HOA-friendly?
- Bog-bean takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bog-bean? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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