Bogbean
Menyanthes trifoliat
Bearnán lachan

Bogbean, or Buckbean, is an aquatic perennial of the Gentian family. The flowers grow in the form of a spike; they are a pretty pinkish white colour and have white hairs in a fringe. The leaflets grow in threes on a long stalk and the leaves and flowers are held well above the surface of the water.
The plant grows in shallow ponds and lakesides as well as marshes and fens all over Ireland. Country people considered Bogbean a blood purifier, and used it as a remedy for boils.
The flowers open in April and May.
Bogbean grows in Europe, northern and central Asia, Greenland and North America.