The chaste tree makes an attractive specimen as your landscape bed’s centerpiece or in a large container on the deck.
Easy-to-grow, drought resistant and attractive to butterflies and bees, Vitex agnus-castus is a multi-stemmed small tree with fragrant, upwardly-pointing lavender blooms and gray-green foliage.
The chaste tree’s divided leaves resemble those of the marijuana plant; its flowers can be mistaken for butterfly bush; and the dry, darkened drupes can be used for seasoning — similar to black pepper — making it a conversation piece for those unfamiliar with the tree.
Vitex — with its sage-scented leaves that were once believed to have a sedative effect — has the common name “Chastetree” since Athenian women used the leaves in their beds to remain chaste during the feast of Ceres, a Roman festival held on April 12.
In modern times, the tree is often planted where beekeepers visit, to promote honey production; or it’s included in the landscape for enjoyment of its showy, summer display of violet panicles.
Chaste tree is native to woodlands and dry areas of southern Europe and western Asia.
It will thrive in almost any soil that has good drainage; prefers full sun or light shade; and can even tolerate moderate salt air.
Vitex is a sprawling plant that grows 10 to 20 feet high and wide, and looks best unpruned. If pruning is desired to control the size, do so in the winter, since it is a deciduous tree and the blooms form on new wood.
The chaste tree can take care of itself, but can be pushed to faster growth with light applications of fertilizer in spring and early summer and by mulching around the plant.
There are no pests of major concern associated with this species, but root rot can cause decline in soils that are kept too moist.
Sheila Dunning is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DUNNING: The chaste tree is easy to grow, drought resistant