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Vitex agnus-castus - Chaste Tree

Updated: 14 hours ago

Explore Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Vitex agnus-castus - Chaste Tree

Vitex agnus-castus | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Chaste Tree, Monk's Pepper, Chasteberry

Family: Lamiaceae

Appearance: A deciduous shrub or small tree with aromatic, palmate leaves, and small, fragrant spikes of lavender, violet, or white flowers

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous

Layer: Shrub/Small Tree

Root System: Features a fibrous and spreading root system

Height: Up to 5 meters

Width: Can spread up to 3 meters

Lifespan: Several decades

Growth Rate: Moderate

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Bees and other insects

Toxicity: Not known hazards

Vitex agnus-castus | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

  • Native Range: Mediterranean region, including Southern Europe and Western Asia

  • Companionship: Often found with other Mediterranean shrubs and herbs

  • Invasive Range: Can be invasive in some regions, particularly in warmer climates

  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 - 9

  • Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified

Resistance/Tolerance

  • Poor Soil: High tolerance

  • Drought: High tolerance once established

  • Shade: Low tolerance

  • Flood: Low tolerance

  • Wind: Moderate tolerance

  • Maritime: Moderate tolerance

  • Air Pollution: High tolerance

  • Fire: Moderate tolerance

Thriving Conditions

  • Sun Exposure: Full sun

  • Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions

  • Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy, loamy, or rocky soils

  • Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5)

Propagation

  • Seeds: Can be grown from seed, though stratification may improve germination

  • Cuttings: Yes, typically hardwood cuttings

Vitex agnus-castus | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: The berries are sometimes used as a pepper substitute

Medicinal: Widely used in herbal medicine for hormonal balance, particularly for women's health issues

Cosmetics: Extracts are used in skincare for their anti-inflammatory properties

Animal Feed: Not typically used as animal feed

Fiber: Not used for fiber

Timber: Not typically used for timber

Firewood: Can be used as firewood

Wind Break: Can serve as a windbreak due to its dense growth

Fence: Can be used as a natural barrier plant

Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop

Mulch: Not typically used as mulch

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available

Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other pollinators

Pest Repellent: Known to repel some insects due to its aromatic properties

Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat and food for various insects and small animals

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