Moonwort (Lunaria biennis)
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$1.00
$1.00 - $5.60
$1.00
per item
In colonial American times, this plant was a popular choice in flower gardens because of its ornamental properties when dried. The silvery, nearly transparent seed pods led to many common names such as Honesty, Moonflower, and Silver Pennies. According to historical record, Thomas Jefferson once grew this species in his extensive experimental gardens at Monticello. The genus name Lunaria means “moon,” referring to the appearance of the seed pods.
Received the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticulture Society.
Scientific Name: Lunaria biennis
Also Known As: Silver Dollar Plant, Honesty, Money plant, Bolbonac
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Biennial
Maturity (Blooms): Spring
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water: Medium
Soil Moisture: Medium
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. The flowers of this plant attract bees and butterflies.
Containers: Yes. Fits easily in almost any garden or container.
Height: 18-30'
Spacing: 10-12”
Sow Depth: 1/8"
USDA Zone: 2a-9b
Produces: a plant with large serrated leaves, clusters of fuchsia flowers, and round silvery seed pods.
Also Known As: Silver Dollar Plant, Honesty, Money plant, Bolbonac
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Biennial
Maturity (Blooms): Spring
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water: Medium
Soil Moisture: Medium
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. The flowers of this plant attract bees and butterflies.
Containers: Yes. Fits easily in almost any garden or container.
Height: 18-30'
Spacing: 10-12”
Sow Depth: 1/8"
USDA Zone: 2a-9b
Produces: a plant with large serrated leaves, clusters of fuchsia flowers, and round silvery seed pods.
Direct sow seeds in early fall, planting them just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting; keep the soil lightly moist until germination. This seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring. Plant two seeds in each peat pot and keep the soil moist until germination. Since these plants dislike having their roots disturbed, plant them outdoors as soon as possible after the last chance of frost.
Water seedlings until they become established. Mature plants also appreciate occasional watering, though they also tolerate drought. This plant usually produces only foliage in its first year, coming to its full height and blooming in the second. The flowers of this plant attract bees and butterflies. This plant usually self-sows in good growing conditions.
These ornamental seed pods make long-lasting additions to dried flower arrangements. After the pods have completely dried on the plant, cut the stems and hang them upside down in a dry place until the entire stem is dry. If desired, carefully remove the outer layer of the seed pods to reveal the silvery inner layer.
After the seed pods have dried on the plant, remove them and spread them out to dry completely. Open the pods to remove the flat seeds. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.
Seed - cooked:
A pungent flavor, they are used as a mustard substitute. The pungency of mustard develops when cold water is added to the ground-up seed - an enzyme (myrosin) acts on a glycoside (sinigrin) to produce a sulphur compound. The reaction takes 10 - 15 minutes. Mixing with hot water or vinegar, or adding salt, inhibits the enzyme and produces a mild bitter mustard.
Root - raw:
Used before the plant produces flowers.
A pungent flavor, they are used as a mustard substitute. The pungency of mustard develops when cold water is added to the ground-up seed - an enzyme (myrosin) acts on a glycoside (sinigrin) to produce a sulphur compound. The reaction takes 10 - 15 minutes. Mixing with hot water or vinegar, or adding salt, inhibits the enzyme and produces a mild bitter mustard.
Root - raw:
Used before the plant produces flowers.
Silver dollar will cozy up to just about any other plant but you might be quite delighted pairing them with various tulips, Forget-Me-Not, Foxglove, and Hakone Grass. If you want to attract more beneficial insects and creatures to your garden, add an herb patch.
Suggested Varieties
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
$1.00 - $5.60
Foxglove grows as a wildflower in Great Britain and throughout Europe, and can be found in records dating back to the time of Edward III of England. Historically, its common name was “Folksglove” in reference to the little folk, or fairies; these flowers often grew in the deep dells and glades of the forest where the fairies were said to live. One legend states that naughty sprites would give the fox the blossoms of this plant to wear on his feet, to quiet his step among the farmyards. Dr. William Withering first brought foxglove to the attention of the medical world in 1785, detailing its use in an important document that helped begin the modern pharmacology movement. This plant produces digitoxin, a substance included in the heart stimulating drug digitalis. The name Digitalis, also the genus name of the species, comes from the Latin word for finger and refers to the shape of the foxglove blossom.