Lunaria annua - Biennial - Annual Honesty, Money Plant Page

Lunaria annua, also known as Annual Honesty or Money Plant, is a tall, hairy-stemmed biennial plant native to the Balkans and southwest Asia. It is naturalized throughout Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. This plant can reach a height of about 1 meter and has large, pointed oval leaves with serrations. In the 16th century, it gained the common name "Honesty" due to its translucent seed-pods, which resemble flattened pea-pods and persist on the plant through winter.

Another common name for Lunaria annua is the "Money Plant" because its seed pods have the appearance of silver coins. In South-East Asia and the United States, it is also known as "Silver Dollars" for the same reason. In Denmark, it is called Judaspenge, and in The Netherlands, it is known as Judaspenning, both referring to its resemblance to silver coins and the story of Judas Iscariot.

Aside from its interesting visual characteristics, Lunaria annua is also a good bee and butterfly plant, attracting pollinators to your garden. This plant is easy to grow from seed and tends to naturalize, making it a popular choice for flower arrangements. The flowers of Lunaria annua are white or violet and bloom in spring and summer, followed by showy, light brown, translucent seedpods that are often used for interior decoration.

Lunaria annua is suitable for cultivation in shady or dappled areas, as well as wildflower gardens. There are numerous varieties and cultivars available, and some, like the white-flowered L. annua var. albiflora and the variegated white L. alba var. albiflora 'Alba Variegata', have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

This plant is not only visually appealing but also offers edible uses. The cooked seeds of Lunaria annua can be used as a mustard substitute, with a pungent flavor. The root can be eaten raw and is best utilized before the plant produces flowers.

Overall, Lunaria annua is a versatile and attractive plant that can add interest to any garden or floral arrangement. Its unique seedpods and historical references give it even more allure, making it a popular choice among gardening enthusiasts. So why not grow your own Annual Honesty or Money Plant and enjoy the beauty and intrigue it brings?