Bog-bean
Menyanthes trifoliata
Last reviewed: June 2026
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.
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.
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.
Does Bog-bean fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.