Description
Menyanthes –
There is a sole species of a rhizomatous, aquatic or semi aquatic perennial in this genus. It is found in the Northern Hemisphere especially in Europe. It forms large, spreading, floating mats that extend over the shallow, still or slow moving water of lakes or ponds, and sometimes across the muddy margins. M. trifoliata has 3 palmate leaves and bears racemes of star shaped flowers. It is a decorative plant for ponds and for the margins of a wildlife pool, and is usefuyl for disguising hard edges.
In a large pool, grow in an aquatic container, at a depth of 6-9″, or in muddy pond margins. Provide a site in full sun to encourage production of the short lived flowers
Prone to leaf gall.
M. trifoliata – Bogbean – Marsh trefoil – This aquatic perennial found in Europe, Northern Asia, Northwestern India and North America grows 8-12″ tall with an indefinite spread. From extensive creeping rhizomes, to 4′ feet long, sprout 3 palmate, rich green leaves, with elliptic to ovate or obovate leaflets, to 2 ½” long. In summer it bears erect racemes of 10-20 white flowers, 1″ across, pink outside and in bud, with very finely fringed and bearded petals.
Zones 4-8
