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