Honesty Satinflower, Money plant, Penny flower, Moneywort, Silver dollar
Lunaria annua

Family: Brassicaceae

What it is like

A cabbage family herb. It is an annual or biennial plant. It grows 75-90 cm high and 25-30 cm wide. The leaves are heart-shaped to triangular with coarse teeth around the edge. The flowering stems are loosely branched. The flowers have 4 petals and are purple or white. Many flowers occur in clusters. The seed pods are round with papery outer skins and a white central disk. These are flat and white and look like coins. The seeds are 7-10 mm long by 5-9 mm wide. They are kidney shaped.

There are 3 Lunaria species. It can be invasive.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It does best in light shade. It needs a well drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Europe, Germany, India, Lithuania, North America, Pakistan, Slovenia, South America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The seeds have a biting spicy taste. They can be used as a mustard substitute. The roots also have a spicy taste and are eaten in salads. They are gathered before the flowers form. The young shoots are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Seeds, roots, shoots

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Seedlings can be transplanted. Seed are sown 3-6 mm deep. Plants are spaced about 30 cm apart.

Its other names

Local names

Bolbonac, Enoletna srebrenka, Mjesecnica

Synonyms

Lunaria biennis Moench;