Buck-bean - A Plant of Meyathaceae Family
Published · Flower Resource
This plant is low perennial and is clumped at ground level. They have large and long stalked leaves with narrow clusters of white or purple star like flowers. The flower blooms in months on April to August in white color. The size of the flower is about 0.5 to 1 feet wide. The chemical name of this plant is Menyanthes trifoliata and it is commonly called bog bean. The common name of this plat refers to its small bean like seeds. They are native to North America. The plant bears white and pink colored flowers and they are popular aquarium plants.
The plant belongs Meyathaceae flowering plant family and consist about 40 species of aquatic or marsh herbs that are native to temperate areas of the world. The flowers are bisexual and they produce seeds in berry as well as capsule fruits. The plant grows up to 10 inches. The meaning and symbolism taking back to Victorian Era represents Calm repose which means freedom from worry and to rest or relax. So you can give these plants to your near and dear ones as get well soon flowers and wish them good health in their tough times.
Uses of Buck-bean
- The leaves were used in Europe earlier as substitute to hops for beer brewing.
- The plant is also used in various medical applications.
- Buckbean has been used to treat so many ailments including jaundice, skin diseases, indigestion, scurvy and rheumatism.
- In Europe the roots of buckbean were mixed with flour for nutritious bread additive.
- It is bitter in taste and thus used in folk medicine.
Interesting Facts
- The upper surface of the flower petals are covered with curved white hairs.
- The plant has different varieties like Monkey Hand Tree, Yellow bird’s nest, rock sapphire, wood apple named plants.
- The plant contains some chemical compounds that attract cats.
- The herb is not suitable for kids.
- The fresh plant may sometimes cause vomiting.
- Stop using the bog bean two weeks prior of schedules surgery as increases the risk of beeding during and after surgery.
Soil Needed
- They require wet soil and sometimes acidic peaty in nature.
- And the light requirement is full sun or partial shade.
- It requires full sunlight and grows well in moist soil.
How to Plant?
- You can plant divisions of the plant or get them from the nursery and plant it in spring or autumn.
- Space the divisions 8 to 12 inches apart.
- You can propagate the plant by dividing in spring and each division should contain one growing tip.
- It is best to use plants to form a garden center when growing bog bean.
Maintenance and Care
- Regular watering is required to maintain heavy moisture.
- Deadheading is important this will help to prevent spreading and also additional blooms might be created.
- Once they are established do not disturb them or the growth will stop.
- They are best grown in containers at the edge of ponds.