Vitex agnus-castus aka Lilac Chastetree

Taxonomy

Vitex agnus-castus, also known as Vitex, Chaste tree, Chastetree, Chasteberry, Abraham's balm, Lilac chastetree, or Monk's pepper, is a native plant of the Mediterranean region. It is a compact, rounded, bushy deciduous shrub with an open habit, reaching heights of up to 2.5m. The dark green foliage is aromatic and divided into 5-7 splayed leaflets. During the summer and autumn, upright spikes of fragrant pink flowers adorn the plant. If desired, it can be pruned hard in spring to maintain a smaller size. Chaste tree is a cross-pollinating plant but can also self-pollinate. The leaves of the chaste tree resemble those of the marijuana plant, with five leaflets arranged in a palm-shaped pattern and a fragrance similar to sage. The clusters of purple flowers, resembling those of the butterfly bush, can also be found in white varieties. The black fruit contains four peppercorn-like seeds, which are occasionally used for flavoring food. Although historically believed to be an anaphrodisiac, its effectiveness for such purposes remains unproven.

Common names

Lilac Chastetree, Butterfly Bush, Chasteberry

How to care for Lilac Chastetree

Difficulty

Lilac Chastetree is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Lilac Chastetree should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Lilac Chastetree loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Lilac Chastetree requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Lilac Chastetree will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Region of origin

Lilac Chastetree’s native range is S. Europe.


More info:
Wikipedia