Lunaria annua

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Lunaria annua flowers

LunariaAnnua1

Lunaria annua seeds J3

Lunaria annua detail

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Lunaria annua chile

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Lunaria annua storage roots

Lunaria annua, commonly known as annual honesty, silver dollar plant, or moonwort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. This biennial plant is native to the Balkans and Southwest Asia, and has been widely naturalized in many parts of Europe and North America. It is known for its distinctive, translucent seed pods that resemble silver coins, which have made it a popular choice for dried flower arrangements.

Description

Lunaria annua grows to a height of 0.3 to 0.9 meters (1 to 3 feet). It has large, coarse, heart-shaped leaves and its stems are tall and sturdy. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of fragrant flowers that can be purple, pink, or white. After flowering, it develops seed pods that are initially green and fleshy but later dry out and become brown. The outer layers of the seed pods fall away to reveal the silvery, papery membrane that encloses the seeds, giving the plant its common names.

Cultivation and Uses

Lunaria annua is grown in gardens for its decorative flowers and seed pods. It prefers a sunny to partly shaded position and well-drained soil. The plant is often found in cottage gardens and informal garden settings. It is also used in floristry for dried flower arrangements, thanks to the unique appearance of its seed pods.

To cultivate Lunaria annua, seeds can be sown directly into the ground in late spring or early summer. The plants may self-seed and can become naturalized in the garden if conditions are favorable. They require minimal maintenance, though watering during prolonged dry periods can help ensure healthy growth and flowering.

Symbolism and Folklore

In folklore, Lunaria annua is associated with honesty and sincerity, likely due to the transparency of its seed pods. It is also linked to the moon, as suggested by its names moonwort and Lunaria, which is derived from the Latin word for moon, luna.

Conservation

While Lunaria annua is not considered endangered and is quite robust in its naturalized ranges, its native habitats are subject to the usual pressures of development and agricultural expansion. Conservation efforts for wild populations focus on habitat preservation and the control of invasive species that compete with Lunaria annua and other native plants.

Gallery

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See Also

• Brassicaceae
• Biennial plant
• Floristry