Lunaria annua, L. biennis

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Lunaria annua, L. biennis

Also known as: Honesty

Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Herb layer, Soil

Format: Smal

Height: 0.60 m

Width: 0.30 m

Growth Rate: Fast

Leaf: -

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 8-10

Soil Moisture:
Moist

Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)

pH:
Acid Neutral Basic

Light:
Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Condiment, Root, Seed

Edibility:
(2)

Medicinal:
(0)

Features:
Bee plant

Description

Cooked seeds have a sharp taste and can be used as an alternative to mustard. The sharp taste of mustard occurs when cold water is added to the ground seeds, causing an enzyme (myrosin) to react with a glycoside (sinigrin) to produce a sulfur compound. This reaction usually takes 10-15 minutes. If the seeds are mixed with hot water or vinegar, or if salt is added, the enzyme is inhibited, resulting in a mild bitter mustard. Carrots can be eaten raw, and it is advisable to use them before the plant produces flowers.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/06

End of Harvest: 30/09

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild	Description
Arbutus unedoxaera Strawberry Tree	Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, improving overall health of the guild.
Asimina triloba Papaw	Provides shade and modifies microclimates, benefiting overall growth.
Broussonetia kazinoki Kozo	Improves soil structure and fertility through its root system.
Broussonetia papyrifera Paper Mulberry	Acts as a natural windbreak, reducing stress on Lunaria annua.
Cudrania tricuspidata Silkworm Thorn, Storehousebush	Encourages beneficial fungal relationships that can enhance nutrient absorption.
Cydonia oblonga Quince	Produces fruits that attract wildlife, enhancing biodiversity around Lunaria annua.
Diospyros kaki Persimmon	Provides shade and produces fruits that can benefit humans and wildlife.
Diospyros virginiana American Persimmon	Improves the soil with its deep roots while providing fruit.
Eriobotrya japonica Loquat	Attracts beneficial insects, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
Ficus carica Fig	Provides a habitat for wildlife and improves soil health with leaf litter.
Malus domestica Apple	Produces fruits that attract various wildlife, enhancing biodiversity.
Prunus persica Peach	Enhances pollination with its flowers, benefiting Lunaria annua.
Salix alba Willow	Helps maintain soil moisture and attracts pollinators.
Vaccinium corymbosum Northern blueberry	Provides berries that attract wildlife, supporting a diverse ecosystem.
Acer campestre Field Maple, Hedge maple	Offers shade and enhances overall biodiversity in the area.
Hippophae rhamnoides Sea Buckthorn	Improves soil health and provides berries for wildlife.