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Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree) - A deciduous large shrub or small tree typically to 12 to 16 feet tall but known to get to 25 feet in warm locations. It has abroad growth habit and attractive aromatic foliage. The leaves are divided fanlike into 7 narrow leaflets, dark green above and gray below. The 6- to 8-inch-tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers in spring through summer are followed by 1/8-inch round fruit. Often reblooms in fall.
Plant in full sun and irrigate only occasionally to infrequently. Tolerant of most any soil and drought and likes a warm location. Cold hardy to 0 ° F but can be used in areas where it will freeze annually to the ground as a shrubby perennial to 5 feet tall. It is resistant to Oak Root Fungus (Armillaria melle). Pruning can be done in fall or early spring as flowering occurs on new wood and prune old flowers to encourage rebloom. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to its flowers and foliage but is resistant to predation by deer.
Vitex agnus-castus is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and Northern Africa and western Asia. The name for the genus was authored by Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum in 1753 and comes from the name used by Roman philosopher naturalist Pliny the Elder for the Chaste Tree, Vitex agnus-castus from the Latin word 'vieo' which means "to weave" or "to tie" in reference to the use of the use of fresh shoots of this species for basket weaving. Its specific epithet means 'chaste' in both Greek and Latin as is was believed to be sacred to the Greek goddess Hestia and the Latin goddess Vesta, who were both goddesses of the household. It is also known as by the common names Chasteberry, Chastetree, Lilac Chastetree, Monk's Pepper and Texas Lilac. We grew this useful and attractive plant from 2000 until 2010 but it grew too fast in the containers and we sold too few so we no longer grow it. We also have grown a dwarf cultivar called Vitex angus-castus Busy Bee.
The information about Vitex agnus-castus displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
