Lunaria Species, Money Plant, Honesty, Bolbonac, Moonwort, Silver Dollar
Lunaria annua
Family: | Brassicaceae (brass-ih-KAY-see-ee) (Info) |
Genus: | Lunaria (loo-NAIR-ee-uh) (Info) |
Species: | annua (AN-yoo-uh) (Info) |
Synonym: | Crucifera lunaria |
Synonym: | Lunaria biennis |
Synonym: | Lunaria inodora |

Category:
Biennials
Water Requirements:
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Sun Exposure:
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage:
Herbaceous
Foliage Color:
Height:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing:
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
Where to Grow:
Danger:
Pollen may cause allergic reaction
Bloom Color:
Magenta (pink-purple)
Bloom Characteristics:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Flowers are fragrant
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Spring
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting:
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Sittingbourne,
Adana, Adana(2 reports)
Hazel Green, Alabama
Montevallo, Alabama
Juneau, Alaska
Bella Vista, Arkansas
Conway, Arkansas
Malvern, Arkansas
Pottsville, Arkansas
Searcy, Arkansas
Alameda, California
Eureka, California
Hyampom, California
Merced, California
Placerville, California
Richmond, California
San Francisco, California
Stockton, California
Fort Collins, Colorado
Littleton, Colorado
Bantam, Connecticut
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Old Lyme, Connecticut
Deland, Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Braselton, Georgia
Cornelia, Georgia
Dallas, Georgia
Mcdonough, Georgia
Nicholson, Georgia
Snellville, Georgia
Villa Rica, Georgia
Lewiston, Idaho
Jacksonville, Illinois
Bremen, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
Gowrie, Iowa
Inwood, Iowa
Ewing, Kentucky
Finchville, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Zachary, Louisiana
Litchfield, Maine
Compton, Maryland
Cumberland, Maryland
Ellicott City, Maryland
Finksburg, Maryland
Linthicum Heights, Maryland
Millersville, Maryland
Silver Spring, Maryland
Feeding Hills, Massachusetts
Halifax, Massachusetts
Reading, Massachusetts
Roslindale, Massachusetts
Brown City, Michigan
Dexter, Michigan
Mason, Michigan
Owosso, Michigan
Pinconning, Michigan
South Lyon, Michigan
Stanwood, Michigan
Andover, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Young America, Minnesota
Marietta, Mississippi
Jersey City, New Jersey
Manahawkin, New Jersey
Manasquan, New Jersey
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Buffalo, New York
Croton On Hudson, New York
Elba, New York
Oceanside, New York
Staten Island, New York
Webster, New York
West Islip, New York
Westbury, New York
Banner Elk, North Carolina
Clayton, North Carolina
Concord, North Carolina
Graham, North Carolina
Greensboro, North Carolina
Mooresville, North Carolina
Rowland, North Carolina
Tryon, North Carolina
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Bass River, Nova Scotia
Dayton, Ohio
Glouster, Ohio
Enid, Oklahoma
Hulbert, Oklahoma
Altamont, Oregon
Gold Hill, Oregon
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Pine Grove, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Salem, Oregon
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania(2 reports)
Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
Tiverton, Rhode Island
West Warwick, Rhode Island
Conway, South Carolina
Florence, South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Columbia, Tennessee
Franklin, Tennessee
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee
Lenoir City, Tennessee
Maryville, Tennessee
Austin, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas(2 reports)
Taylor, Texas
Salt Lake City, Utah
Leesburg, Virginia
Mechanicsville, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Roanoke, Virginia
Springfield, Virginia
CHIMACUM, Washington
North Sultan, Washington
Olympia, Washington
Puyallup, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Spokane, Washington
Sultan, Washington
Tacoma, Washington(2 reports)
Ridgeley, West Virginia
Wheeling, West Virginia
Ellsworth, Wisconsin
Sundance, Wyoming
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
---|---|
Positive | On May 20, 2014, coriaceous from ROSLINDALE, MA wrote: A self-sowing biennial that blooms in that awkward time after the tulips have finished and before the peonies and bearded iris. Flowers are white or purple. The white form has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. |
Positive | On May 19, 2014, LanfrancoLeo from Harrisburg, PA wrote: Very nice plant for a early-mid spring blooming garden! |
Positive | On Jul 5, 2013, wakingdream from Allentown, PA wrote: This biennial thrives in my eastern PA garden, zone 6. Year one is a basal rosette of heart shaped leaves with scalloped edges. Year two is a tall stalk of either white or rosy-purple 4 petaled flowers, slightly fragrant, looking very nice with daffodils and other early spring flowers. It dies afterward, there is no third year except from seedlings thrown off by dry, white, mature stalks. When it self sows too much, I pull it out at any stage, the rosettes of year 1 or the taller stalks of year 2, or I make bouquets after pulling the whole plant. In year 2, the white taproot is substantial, starchy and thick. If the number of stalks drying in the disk stage are too tall or numerous in the beds, I thin the patch and compost what's removed (prior to seed maturity). I husk the dried disks by... read more |
Neutral | On Aug 16, 2011, HydroPinke from Burien, WA (Zone 7b) wrote: I came across this plant in seed form on a bank owned lot, I had to grab a few of those seed pods. Now that I know what it is I am still excited to grow some, but am wondering about the comment saying it's invasive. Can you verify this claim? I can't find information about this being a problem here in king county Washington. |
Neutral | On Apr 15, 2011, burien_gardener from Burien (SW Seattle), WA (Zone 8b) wrote: Plant nazis are waaay off base about many non-natives that thrive in the Pacific NW. Lunaria is a beneficial plant and does not overrun native areas. If you're looking for something damaging, check out yellow archangel. |
Negative | On Mar 29, 2011, seattleboo from Seattle, WA wrote: Like many who have commented, I have fond memories of the charms of Lunaria as a child. However, I now understand that it is a serious invasive plant here in the NW (I live in Seattle) that actively displaces natives and discourages diversity in local greenbelts. Yes, it is easy and re-seeds readily. That's the problem. No one, at least around here, should actively cultivate Lunaria. Along with another herbaceous invasive, Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Money Plant should be removed wherever encountered. There are too many great plants to be encouraging a trouble maker like Lunaria. Take a minute to read about invasives in your area, it may change your thinking. |
Positive | On Mar 27, 2011, themikeman from Concord, NC (Zone 7a) wrote: I love silver dollar money plants..not only do these plants make these neat silver seed pods but they have these beautiful medium purple flowers..my mother and grandmother had these when i was a small kid in upstate ny..these bring back really good memories for me..peace..mike. |
Positive | On Apr 28, 2010, J_and_J from Tacoma, WA wrote: Summer 2009 volunteer in alley turned from silver/white seed heads to INTENSE magenta! Husband picked and brought indoors to me. Later others nearby turned same color and I collected a stunning bouquet. These volunteers have been in alley for many years but never developed this striking color. |
Neutral | On Mar 25, 2010, lehua_mc from Portland, OR (Zone 8b) wrote: While many have positive experiences with this plant, I unfairly want to share my very neutral experience. It is not negative, since it isn't the plants fault! |
Neutral | On Sep 5, 2009, caroleigh from Ocean Springs, MS wrote: These plants were grown in my mother's garden in McLean N.Y.. They make wonderful and striking bouquets. I am now attempting to grow them here in the deep South near Biloxi Mississippi. I will scatter the seeds and see what happens in the spring, and will report back next year 2010. Carol Tucker, Vancleave Mississippi |
Positive | On Jul 7, 2008, jr4335 from Jacksonville, FL wrote: I have very fond memories of this plant from my grandparents' house in Cleveland, Ohio. My grandmother always had dried arrangements and I would like to as well but I live in a condo and have no way to plant outside. |
Positive | On Apr 18, 2008, gray_53 from Mcdonough, GA wrote: Mine are strictly annuals (unless they are secretly regenerating from the roots). The flowers are a deep purple. If you didn't already know, the seeds germinate very well when you simply scatter them on the ground in zone 7b. I don't have much else to add. |
Positive | On Nov 28, 2007, SandyRN from Blackwood, NJ (Zone 7a) wrote: Very pretty here in South Jersey. I had much better luck letting plants self-sow than trying to germinate packets indoors. I feel that they look a little ratty after blooming and take a long time for seeds to mature. Next year, I think I'll pull them after bloom, go buy some packets and sprinkle them outdoors. |
Positive | On Sep 25, 2007, mbkijb from Buffalo, NY wrote: I have these silver dollar plants taking over in my front yard in Lackawanna, NY, an outskirt of Buffalo. I want to put them in the back of my front garden and have them as a nice back drop to a bunch of spring bulbs I purchased just recently. When they seeded, they must have blown against my pave stones because they are taking over the front part of my garden, but they are so tall, they will block everything else I want in there. |
Positive | On May 23, 2007, jazzyl from Chickamauga, GA (Zone 7a) wrote: This plant is the early beacon for the hummers and honey bees in spring. It is a great naturalizer. I have a white blooming variety. |
Positive | On Mar 31, 2007, girlndocs from Tacoma, WA wrote: This is one of my very favorite flowers. It self-sows, even in dry shade, obligingly but not thuggishly. It also does the favor of fading into the background shortly after its bloom, except for those beautiful seed heads. |
Positive | On Mar 10, 2007, WUVIE from Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a) wrote: In working the Lunaria bed today, it reminded |
Positive | On Jan 19, 2007, bluespiral from (Zone 7a) wrote: Last spring, I visited an elegant garden with one section that consisted of two matching flower borders facing each other across a wide grassy path and with trellises all along the backs of both sides with climbing roses and clematis not yet blooming. What was blooming were repeated clumps of the very double, blowsy, white Festiva Maxima peony paired with lilac flowers of lunaria - unforgettable. |
Positive | On Jan 27, 2006, Gabrielle from (Zone 5a) wrote: This is a plant that looks good at all stages . . . from being full of beautiful purple flowers to little "pods" that become "silver dollars." Even though this is a moisture loving plant, it didn't let the dry, sandy conditions of my sedum bed slow it down! |
Positive | On Aug 18, 2005, diwill from Wheeling, WV wrote: These were growing around my house already when I moved in some 13 years ago and, despite my crafts friends coming up to collect the seed pods, the plant continues on and comes up in random patches every year - very hardy and prolific! I had organized a planting in a prepared bed, they were doing very well until my sweet husband mowed them down. Still, I'll start over with seeds from all the plants in the woods. (Fencing is in order for next spring) Exceptional height, color and fragrance. |
Positive | On May 17, 2004, buzzy from Ferndale, CA wrote: they grow great in humboldt county. I have purple and white ones but have never seen yellow. Drying the pods thoroughly is the key to getting the silver dollars. My plants come back twice a summer and some do not die in the winter. They are definatly perennials here in the Bear Valley. |
Positive | On May 17, 2004, pungo from Norfolk, VA wrote: The first year I got some purple seeds from a friend, only a few plants came up, but they were purple. The next year I opened the dried seed pods and cast the seeds, but every single plant but one was completely white! Since then I have bought 2 packages of "purple" seeds and they always come out white no matter what. They are prolific growers in my yard and even grow in the grass, but I want PURPLE ones. |
Neutral | On May 17, 2004, wnstarr from Puyallup, WA (Zone 5a) wrote: Edgewood, Wa |
Positive | On May 16, 2004, verdiway from Clarkston, GA wrote: Extremely hardy plant in both my shade and sunny gardens here in Atlanta. In fact, it's about to take over in some places. Lovely flourescent blooms at sunset. I recommend these plants for those spots where nothing else wants to grow. |
Positive | On May 10, 2004, IowaGal2 from Gowrie, IA wrote: Planted seeds last spring and had nice plants, this year they bloomed in early spring. So pretty! I live in Iowa which is Zone 4 |
Positive | On Apr 14, 2004, herbman75 from Cornelia, GA wrote: Reliable re-seeder for zone 7b. Tough as nails here in north Georgia. Have witnessed plants growing in cracks in my grandmothers brick patio. Just toss a handful of seed in a corner of the garden and watch them go! |
Positive | On Aug 23, 2003, OMMD wrote: One of my favorite plants. Unfortunately, between my garden phlox crowding it out and hungry chipmunks, I have gone from a small bed of money plants to just one lone survivor :-( |
Positive | On Aug 15, 2003, Minette from Ottawa ontario, I recently found out about this plant, when my sister (a plant fanatic) went for a walk down her street and came home with a cutting of this plant. We didn't know what it was but I wanted it real bad, so she gave it to me...hehe. |
Positive | On Aug 7, 2003, Ladyfern from Jeffersonville, IN (Zone 6a) wrote: I wouldn't be without this plant--it's the only plant of decent height blooming in April in my garden. The more I have the better! Plus I love the seed pods for decoration. I don't find that they last very well or look attractive in the garden, so I go ahead and cut down the dried stems and pods. |
Positive | On Jul 25, 2003, vagardener from Springfield, VA wrote: It was planted in a perennial border garden a year ago in early summer and did not bloom. It returned this year and provided some nice early color and foliage. It is establishing nicely in partial shade. I did not harvest the seed pods, because I liked how the silver contrasts against the taller perennials. |
Positive | On Jul 24, 2003, mom2cats from Moorestown, NJ (Zone 7b) wrote: This plant grows extremely well here in NJ (near Philadelphia) -- zone 6/7a. I enjoy seeing it's bright lavender phlox-like flowers first thing each spring. It always comes back annually, and is super easy to grow. |
Neutral | On Aug 9, 2001, Terry from Murfreesboro, TN (Zone 7a) wrote: This plant's common name comes from the dried fruit, called silicles. When dried, the green outer covering peels off to reveal the silvery translucent "silver dollars." |