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buckbean

plant
Also known as: Menyanthes trifoliata, bogbean

Quick Summary

Buckbean, also known as bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Menyanthaceae family. It is native to temperate regions worldwide and typically grows in wet soils, such as bogs.12

Key characteristics of buckbean include:
* Appearance: It has racemes of white or pinkish flowers and leaves that can be simple or compound with three leaflets.12
* Growth Habit: Buckbean spreads vegetatively through creeping underwater rhizomes.2
* Uses: Historically, its bitter-tasting leaves have been used in folk medicine.2

The Menyanthaceae family consists of five genera and about 40 species of aquatic or marsh herbs.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. buckbean
  2. Menyanthaceae

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