Silver Dollar Plant

Lunaria annu (Honesty)

The blooming Silver Dollar plant reminds me of garden phlox in a wild flower kind of way.  It blooms at the beginning of May in light shades of purple.
 

Sometimes the flowers are variegated.

The plant self sows easily guaranteeing plants for years to come. As a biennial the seed from this year will grow plants next year and flower in 2013. This little plant growing in May will bloom next year.

In the weeks that follow the plant forms flat seedheads that dry into papery, round, silver- dollar shaped seedpods.

The plants are often used in dried arrangements. By the beginning of August, when they are completely dry, gently rub the seed pod between thumb and forefinger to remove outer layer and seeds revealing a silver papery skin.

This plant is also known as Penny flower, Money plant, Moneywort, Moonwort. More information from Dave’s Garden here. 
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