Lovely Lunaria

Botrychium lunaria ​

Gender - Feminine
Planet - Moon
Element - Water

My grandmother introduced me to lunaria and called it the silver dollar plant. It looked a bit rough and raggedy until we rubbed off the casings around the silver disks and then it sparkled! It has a silvery glow, and finding and carrying it has been said to ensure that money is on the way! Other folk names include the money plant, money in both pockets, two pennies in a purse, the money tree, satin flower, penny flower, and honesty, for the translucence.

Don’t discard this as a weed. There’s a treasure inside!

Removing the seed casings

Elegant lunaria!

The name lunaria is from the Latin word luna, referring to its round shape and silvery glow, resembling the moon. Moonwort, another folk name, also refers to the moon, and wort indicates it is a useful plant. 

Another folk name, “unshoe horse", pertains to the extensive documentation through out history of blacksmiths having to replace horse shoes from horses who had lost their shoes because they accidentally stepped on the plant. This unfortunate occurrence has afflicted people as well. Through out the years, stories have been shared about people stepping on the plant and returning home barefoot to treat their aching feet. I’ve found most herbal powers to be positive, but at times, some, like this one, are unsettling. 

On a brighter note, if you return from your journey and can’t find the key to open your door, lunaria has the power to open locks! Hopefully you’ve carried a sprig of the plant home. Simply place the plant in the keyhole, and you will be able to enter your home and soak your feet!

In addition to ensuring wealth and opening locks, every part of the plant is edible! The roasted seeds are known for their spiciness and can be used as a mustard substitute. Young leaves can be eaten in salads and the roots can be peeled and eaten. And if that isn’t enough - it’s anti-aging! Lunaria oil is a moisturizer and is used in cosmetics to reduce lines and wrinkles! 

The promise of wealth, prolonged youthfulness, and open locks is certainly worth losing your shoes!