Vitex negundo

Also Known As

Chastetree
Cut-leaf Chaste Tree

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 6'-15'
W: 5'-10'

planting zones

6a-10b

Vitex negundo plant details

Vitex negundo is a broadleaf deciduous shrub or tree with green foliage. In fall and summer lavender and purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Vitex negundo

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 5 FT - 10 FT - wide, 6 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: lavender and purple blooms in fall and summer
Uses: easy-to-grow, fragrant, medicinal, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Vitex negundo

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This very showy sister of the “Chaste-Tree” (Vitus agnus-castus) makes an attractive shrub or small tree. TOUGH, HEAT AND FAIRLY DROUGHT TOLERANT, it makes a showy display of upward pointing, FRAGRANT, lilac to lavender flower spikes. The pretty leaves are shaped like a cut-leaf maple; the trunk is gray and somewhat ornamental. Bees are strongly attracted to Vitex negundo, and so it is often planted where honey is marketed as it promotes excellent honey production. Though it prefers loose, well-drained soils, it TOLERATES CLAY AND SANDY SOILS. Can be used in a mixed shrub border or as a specimen and is popular in parking strips as it does not create surface roots. It’s usually seen as a shrub but can easily be trained into a tree. Now-why is it called “Chaste-Tree”? It’s said that Athenian women strew their beds with the leaves to keep themselves “chaste”. Pliny wrote that Vitex “checks violent, sexual desire”. Hmmm. Many medicinal uses since ancient times. Today it’s most well known for relieving menopausal symptoms. 6-15’ tall, may reseed.