Dollar plant, Lunaria, Money Plant, Honesty, Seeds Grow Your Own

The Latin name lunaria means "moon-shaped" and refers to the shape and appearance of this species' seed pods or silicles. The common name "honesty" arose in the 16th century, and may relate to the translucence of its silicle membranes. In various parts of the world it is called the "money plant" "silver dollars", "Chinese money", or "Chinese coins" monnaie du pape ("Pope's money").

Typically known as lunaria or silver dollar plants, these iridescent "leaves" are actually the seed pods from the plant known as Lunaria annua or Lunaria biennis or Lunaria alba. Native to both Europe and Asia, lunaria is actually part of the Brassicaceae Cabbage family.

While their botanical name alludes to them being annuals, lunaria plants are actually classified as biennials. Lunaria is suited to USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8 and is best planted in spring after the final frost—it will grow quickly, with seedlings emerging in just 10 to 14 days. However, because the plant is biannual, don't expect to see any flowers or seedpods until the following year. Grows to 2-3 ft tall.

These unique biennials are grown not for their leaves, but for the flowers that come in the spring of their second year and even more so for what their flowers produce: the seed pods that eventually become the namesake "silver dollars." The foliage in their first year consists of a basal rosette of leaves, and the flowers that eventually emerge in the spring of year two are typically purple.

The seed pods that follow the blooms are known as "silicles." They start out green in color, later shedding the shade along with their seeds. The fully dried seed pod that remains (which is actually just a see-through membrane) is an off-white color with a sheen that makes it shine like a coin. These "silver dollars" are papery to the touch and not perfectly round but rather oblong, with a short, needle-like projection that hangs down from the bottom of each seed pod.

The pods can be used in dried floral arrangements, wreaths, and more. In fact, you do not even have to be proficient at floral design to use them—simply insert a few dried bundles into a vase for a unique display, or hang them from a hook over a window so that the sun can shine through them.

Shipping of Seeds and Cuttings: Orders are shipped via Canada Post Mail unless otherwise specified.

Most items are shipped without tracking to keep costs low. This is the most economical option. Canada Post is incredibly reliable, but can be slow.

We try to ship any live plants on MONDAYS or TUESDAYS as a precautionary measure to avoid delays over the weekend and ensure the viability of live plant orders. Weather may be a contributing factor in the processing of our orders and will occasionally cause some delay.

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