Lunaria
(from luna, the moon; referring to the shape of the seed-vessels). Honesty. ORD. Cruciferae. A genus comprising two species of very ornamental, hardy, annual, biennial, or perennial herbs, natives of Europe and Western Asia. Flowers lilac, large, ebracteate; racemes terminal. Siliquas stipitate, broadly elliptic or oblong, compressed. Leaves petiolate, entire, cordate. Both species are well worth a place in any garden, and thrive best in a somewhat sandy soil. Increased by seeds, or by divisions. L. annua (annual).* fl. violet-lilac, scentless. May to July. Pods elliptical, blunt at both ends. l. cordate. h. 1 1/2ft. to 3ft. Sweden, &c., 1595. A well-known and handsome annual or biennial. SYN. L. biennis. There are two or three varieties.
L. biennis (biennial). A synonym of L. annua.
L. rediviva (revived). fl. purplish, fragrant. May and June. Pods lanceolate, narrowed at both ends. h. 2ft. to 3ft. 1596. A perennial, not so pretty as L. annua, with smaller, scented flowers.