Round-Leaf Chaste Tree
(Vitex rotundifolia)
Round-Leaf Chaste Tree (Vitex rotundifolia)
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elawrey
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
elawrey
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: elawrey | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: elawrey | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-10-08T07:25:18Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Vitex rotundifolia, commonly known as the Round-Leaf Chaste Tree or Beach Vitex, is a perennial shrub native to coastal dunes and sandy beaches throughout the Pacific, including East Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. This species thrives in harsh seaside environments, displaying a high tolerance for salt spray and sandy soils. It typically grows to approximately 1 meter in height and has a sprawling growth habit. The Round-Leaf Chaste Tree is notable for its dense foliage with leaves that are rounded at the tips, featuring green upper surfaces and silver lower surfaces that contribute to its ornamental value.
The plant produces blue-purple flowers from late spring to early fall, which are borne in clusters and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, it yields small brown-black fruits. Beach Vitex is valued for its rapid growth and ability to stabilize coastal sands with its runners that root at nodes, making it useful for erosion control. However, its aggressive spreading can be problematic, as it can outcompete native vegetation. In cultivation, it is used for ground cover, xeriscaping, and coastal landscaping due to its low water requirements and preference for well-drained soils. Full sun conditions are ideal for optimal growth. While it has medicinal uses in its native range, caution is advised due to its potential invasiveness when grown outside of its natural habitat. It is important to consult local regulations before planting to prevent ecological disruptions.CC BY-SA 4.0
The plant produces blue-purple flowers from late spring to early fall, which are borne in clusters and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, it yields small brown-black fruits. Beach Vitex is valued for its rapid growth and ability to stabilize coastal sands with its runners that root at nodes, making it useful for erosion control. However, its aggressive spreading can be problematic, as it can outcompete native vegetation. In cultivation, it is used for ground cover, xeriscaping, and coastal landscaping due to its low water requirements and preference for well-drained soils. Full sun conditions are ideal for optimal growth. While it has medicinal uses in its native range, caution is advised due to its potential invasiveness when grown outside of its natural habitat. It is important to consult local regulations before planting to prevent ecological disruptions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 0.5-2 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Native to coastal dunes and sandy beaches throughout the Pacific
Other Names
Common Names: Beach Vitex
Scientific Names: , Vitex rotundifolia, Vitex trifolia subsp. litoralis, Vitex trifolia var. simplicifolia, Vitex ovata, Vitex rotundifolia f. albescens, Vitex trifolia var. ovata, Vitex rotundifolia f. albiflora, Vitex trifolia subsp. simplicifolia, Vitex trifolia var. obovata
GBIF Accepted Name: Vitex trifolia subsp. litoralis Steenis