Lunaria annua
Moonwort
Two plants are known as moonwort. The other one is an
endangered wild fern (Botrychium species) that is extremely difficult
to grow. This magick herb in contrast is domesticated and fairly easy to
grow, and it's very decorative. It's great for Moon magic, the
dried silvery oval pods being especially evocative of the
Moon. This plant is protective in that it is said to keep away
monsters. It is used to gather midnight, Moon-charged dew for magickal or alchemical
work.
In the language of flowers, it represents money, sincerity, and
honesty. Consider it for prosperity spells. The flower essence helps in
self evaluation and to recall what has been
forgotten or repressed. It also encourages honesty. Top
Moonwort has been grown since the Middle Ages. Gerard mentions that it
was used to treat wounds, but it was a favorite in Colonial gardens on
account of its root, which is peeled and eaten; its young leaves
harvested before flowering are also edible. It is found at both Mount
Vernon and Monticello. Victorian middle-class housewives would paint
little scenes on the silvery pods. The oil of the seeds contains
unusual fatty acids that have been used against multiple sclerosis.Top
The leaves have a slightly sweet scent, and the purple, phlox-like
flowers are fragrant and attract butterlies and bees, but some people
are allergic to the pollen. This native of southeastern Europe begins blooming in early spring,
when not much else is flowering yet,
and continues to flower until mid summer.This member of the broccoli family is also known as money plant,
silverbloom, bolbonac, silver dollar, lunary, white satin, satinflower,
penny flower, silverplate, judas pence, shilling, two pennies in a
purse, money in both pockets, Peter's pence, and monnaie-du-pape. The
name "honesty" comes from the fact that the seedpods are transparent.
Top
How
to Grow Moonwort
Sow
1/4" deep to germinate at room temperature in 20 days. Transplant to
full sun/partial shade and rich, moist soil (not acidic, so not around
pine trees). If you want to try to give this cold stratification, it needs to be at
least 10 weeks long at 41F/5C (like in a refrigerator). Or
start outside on July 1. The first year they won't do much or look very
good. The second year they will get flowers in spring and then pods. The plant gets
24-36"/60-90cm tall. Space them 15-18"/38-45cm apart. They are hardy down to -30F/-34.4C. Harvest
long stems and hang to dry for 6 days. Rub pods or peel off the outer
covering to reveal the silvery Moon shape beneath. Or just let them dry
on the plants (they will scatter seeds this way). This plant can be
weedy in the Northwest. General growing
info Top
Lunaria annua
Moonwort
30 seeds $3.25
Uses in
Witchcraft & Magic:
Protection Spells
Prosperity Spells
Alchemy
Moon Herb
© 2006, 2018 Harold A. Roth;
No reproduction without permission