XBuckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata)X
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Buckbean -or- Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), family Menyanthaceae (Buckbean)
Buckbean is the only species in its plant family. While the plants are widely found throughout the United States and Canada, this water loving species could become endangered in some areas due to threats or contamination to their water supply. They are currently placed as species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The plants are suitable for home growth in ponds. Seeds need to be kept moist. Viable seeds of Buckbean have sometimes been found buried deeply in bogs or marshes. The name Menyanthes is the ancient Theophrastian name for "month" and "flower," referring to length of time it blooms, according to the Robert W. Freckman Herbarium website.
USES:
The website Native American Ethnobotany has these recorded uses by Native American tribes: Aleut Infusion of roots taken for gas pains, constipation and rheumatism. Kwakiutl Decoction of roots or leaves taken when sick to the stomach. Decoction of root and stem used for "spitting of blood and other internal diseases." Decoction of roots or leaves taken to put on weight during the flu. Menominee Plant used in medicines. Alaska Native Rootstocks dried, ground, leached, dried, ground into flour and used to make bread. Rootstocks dried, ground, leached, dried and used for food. Rootstocks used in the past as an emergency food.
Per the website Plants for a Future: Large doses may cause abdominal pains, nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. Reports of red cell damage (haemolysis). Effects may be due to the salicylic acid constituent. This plant should not be prescribed for patients with diarrhoea, dysentery or colitis.
FUN FACT: In Europe the bitter leaves were used as a substitute for hops in flavouring beer and were also boiled in honey to make mead.
Flower -
Plant location: Sighted on the wonderful Nymph/Dream/Emerald Lakes hike in the Rocky Mountain National Park - July 21, 2014.
Distribution per The Lady Bird Johnson website:
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DE , IA , ID , IL , IN , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NV , NY , OH , OR , PA , RI , SD , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV , WY Canada: NB , NL , NS , ON , PE Native Distribution: Transcontinental Canada, s. to DE, n.w. NC, OH, NE, CO Rockies & n. CAPlant -
Bloom season: April through August. The flowers are always white or pink. Native Habitat: Cool bogs, pond margins & wet woods. USDA zones: 2-7.Foliage -
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