Lilac Chastetree

(Vitex agnus-castus)

Lilac Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as Lilac Chastetree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region and parts of West Asia, often found in sunny, well-drained locations such as riverbanks and open woodlands. It typically grows to a height of 1–5 m (3–16 ft) and is noted for its aromatic, palmate leaves and spikes of lavender flowers that bloom in mid-summer to late summer, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. The flowers are particularly showy, with some cultivars offering deeper shades of purple or even pink blooms.

Lilac Chastetree is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its fragrant foliage and striking flower spikes. It is used in gardens and landscapes for border planting, as a specimen, or in pollinator gardens. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil, ranging from loamy to sandy, with a neutral to alkaline pH. While it is hardy to USDA Zone 6, it can suffer from dieback in cold, wet conditions. However, since it flowers on new growth, it can recover well in the following season if the roots are protected. It is also tolerant of brackish water, indicating some salt tolerance. Gardeners should be aware that in colder zones, it may die back to the ground annually.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
  • Height: 8-10 feet
  • Width: 8-10 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Sunny, well-drained riverbanks and open woodlands in the Mediterranean region and parts of West Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Chasteberry , Chastetree , Abraham’s Balm , Monk’s Pepper , Mönchspfeffer , Gattilier , Arbre Chaste , Kyskhetsträd , Chaste Tree

Scientific Names: Vitex agnus , Vitex agnus-castus , Vitex agnus-castus var. latifolia , Vitex pseudonegundo , Vitex agnus-castus var. pseudonegundo , Vitex agnus-castus f. latifolia , Vitex agnus-castus f. alba , Vitex agnus-castus f. albiflora , Vitex agnus-castus var. caerulea , Vitex verticillata

GBIF Accepted Name: Vitex agnus-castus L.