Known in Italy as Lunaria o Moneta del Papa, which translates as the Pope's money (because he is not allowed to carry any!). It's also known as Honesty, Money Plant, Silver Dollars, and (in The Netherlands) as Judaspenning (coins of Judas), an allusion to the story of Judas Iscariot and the 30 pieces of silver he was paid to betray Jesus. Obviously, this widely grown plant reminds people of coins. It has pink and purple flower clusters atop tall, strong stems. As the flowers decline, they produce flat seed pods. The pods dry to an unappealing, dirty-looking tan color. But peel off the outer layers of the seed pod and inside is a silvery, translucent structure that makes a beautiful winter bouquet. Lunaria is a biennial that will self-seed if you leave some of the seed pods in the garden. 2 gram packet contains approximately 100 seeds.
