Lunaria (annua / biennis)

aka Silver Dollars, Silver Pennies, Money Plant, Honesty, Judas' Penny, Moonwort.

Apparently this plant can act as an annual if started early enough in the spring, and flower in the first year. But I've never experienced this- I've also read that the cold of winter is required for stem growth.  Normally, it will behave as a biennial and flower first thing the following spring!  

Lunaria is an old heirloom, brought to turtle island by the Puritans, and grown for centuries in Medieval gardens. This knee high plant boasts mauve brassica flowers that, once dry, look like translucent coins or moons, depending on your proclivity. These make for interesting additions to dry arrangements. According to Heritage Harvest, "Victorian women hand painted these translucent discs as decorations in the winter months. Money Plant was used to dress wounds in medieval times and the roots were eaten and the seeds were made into a mustard like condiment." 

Full sun to part shade. Biennial (mostly).

20 seeds per packet.

Growing Tips: 

Direct seeding is recommended, since lunaria plants have long tap roots and don't transplant well.  Plant directly in the garden in early spring (after the last frost). Or, plant in late fall, for a second year bloom.  Germination typically takes 10-14 days. Like sunny or slightly shady, with well drained soil. Seeds do need light to germinate, so don't bury them too deep.