Vitex agnus castus Chaste Tree

Vitex or Chaste Tree Flower


		Even though often referred to as Chaste Tree, Vitex is really a multi-trunked shrub that reaches about 10 feet. In the picture on the right, this mature Vitex cascades all the way to the ground when it finally blooms at the end of June. The back side has been shaded by other bushes and caused the bush to reach for the sun on its exposed sides. Related to Lemon Verbena, and Vervain, in the family Verbenaceae, Vitex is originally from the Mediterranean and western Asia. Where winters are marginal for the plants survival (Zone 6), it may die back to the ground. Here in zone 8, where our winters are usually in the mid to lower 20's, it goes dormant but does not die back. In the spring, we cut out any branches that didn't make it, but we don't prune it back to the ground.
	Vitex leaves are hand sized consisting of five to seven fingers that are dark green above and silvery underneath. Fairly drought resistant, Vitex grows faster and looks more lovely when watered regularly. Long grape colored flower stems start unfolding their color in early summer. Opening from the bottom up over the course of four or five weeks and blanketing the bush with bloom, the flowers make an eye popping spectacle in the landscape. Harvesting these flowers early in the bloom cycle is the best way to preserve them for craft use. They may be used fresh or hung upside down in small bunches for drying. As the flowers of summer fade, small dark purple berries follow. These dried berries may be used medicinally (by those who know what they are doing). And, even though in the 6th century Vitex was touted as an herb capable of helping Monks maintain their vows of chastity (thus, the common name Monk's Pepper), Vitex is now considered one of the most vital herbs for regulating and relieving menstrual problems and infertility. For a good discussion of the medicinal properties of Vitex, check in Andrew Chevalier's book The Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. This book will guide you through the steps of harvesting and preparing your remedies from your garden.

Cultural Information

Height: 10 to 15 Feet

Hardiness: Perennial
in Zones 6-11

Flower Color: Purple

Characteristics: Full Sun,
Evergreen,
Water Conserving

Uses: Dried Flower,
Medicinal, Ornamental

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