Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a deciduous (loses its leaves in the fall), multi-trunked shrub or small tree that is native to southern Europe and western Asia. It is an excellent selection for southern landscapes in USDA zones 7-9, but will have cold damage or be killed to the ground in USDA zones 6 and colder.
Is a chaste tree deciduous?
Vitex agnus-castus, commonly called chaste tree, is typically grown in warm winter climates as a vase-shaped, deciduous shrub (to 10-15′ tall) or trained as a single trunk tree to 20′ tall.
How big does a chaste tree get?
Chastetree can be grown as a large, deciduous, multistemmed shrub or small, 10 to 15 feet tall tree, and is noteworthy for its showy, summer display (late springtime in the deep South) of fragrant, upwardly- pointing, terminal panicles of lavender blooms which are quite attractive to butterflies and bees (Fig.
Is the chaste tree messy?
Unfortunately, this tree is fairly messy, shedding all of its leaves in the fall, and dropping old flowers and seeds throughout the year. … Chaste tree is very shrub-like, but can be shaped into a tree form, eventually reaching a mature size of 25 feet tall and wide.Does chaste tree attract butterflies?
It has sometimes been mistaken for a butterfly bush (Buddleia). This is understandable as both come in similar colors of purple, white, and pink – though the chaste tree can have an almost true blue blossom. Both attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds; both bloom about the same time of the year.
Is a chaste tree a lilac?
Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is also known as Texas lilac tree, Vitex, chasteberry, and Monk’s pepper.
What is chaste tree good for?
Chaste tree has been used to treat menstrual cycle problems and pain, premenstrual syndrome, and menopause. Chaste tree berries may help stimulate progesterone. This is a female hormone that rises 2 weeks before menstruation. It may help normalize estrogen and progesterone.
Is chaste tree the same as Chasteberry?
The chasteberry plant, also called chaste tree, is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia. The name “chasteberry” may reflect the traditional belief that the plant promoted chastity. Monks in the Middle Ages reportedly used it to decrease sexual desire.Should you deadhead a chaste tree?
There are several reasons to prune a chaste tree. … You can also control the shape by chaste tree trimming. Carefully placed cuts can encourage the shrub to put on new growth. Another type of pruning, called deadheading, is important to keep chaste trees blooming all summer.
Is chaste tree invasive?Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree) is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
Article first time published onDo chaste trees need full sun?
Chaste trees need full sun and very well-drained soil. It’s best not to plant them in soil that is rich in organic matter because organically rich soils hold too much moisture close to the roots. Chaste trees do very well in xeric gardens where water is scarce.
Do chaste trees spread?
Left unpruned, vitex can become a sprawling, vase-shaped shrub that grows to 20 feet tall with a spread equally as wide. It is sometimes trained as a single-trunk small tree. You can encourage continued production by deadheading spent flowers—a task that can be a little irksome with larger shrubs.
How long does a chaste tree live?
Fast growers grow old fast, too: average life span is 15 to 20 years. Being an average, that means yours might live to 40 or beyond if it is in well-drained soil and you are in a less humid part of Zone 7, 8 or 9. Mild winters, hot summers and dry air are the chaste tree trifecta.
Do deer like chaste trees?
This tree is resistant to damage by deer and is moderately salt tolerant. Good drought tolerance once established. It freely reseeds and can become weedy. In warmer climates, it can be trained grow as small, single trunk tree or a large shrub.
What can I plant with a chaste tree?
Botanical PronunciationVI-teks AG-nus KAYS-tusWater NeedsModerateWatering NeedsWater regularly – weekly, or more often in extreme heat or containers.Companion PlantsSmoke Tree (Cotinus); Spirea (Spiraea); Rose (Rosa); Maiden Grass (Miscanthus); Weigela (Weigela)
Do chaste trees have deep roots?
The root system of a chaste tree might grow 2 to 3 feet deep but the majority of the feeder roots responsible for absorbing nutrients are in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. Spreading fertilizer on the soil surface is sufficient to reach these feeder roots.
Why is my chaste tree not blooming?
Not Enough Sun The chaste tree blooms best where it receives sunlight all day, every day. If that isn’t possible, it can get by on sun for only half the day, but its blossoming will be less profuse. It is unlikely to flower at all in full shade.
Is a Vitex tree the same as a butterfly bush?
The Vitex is also known as the Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Sage Tree, or Monk’s Pepper and is similar in looks to Butterfly Bush (Buddleia). It is known to be a hardy woody plant which resists cold, drought, and advances from deer. The long, cone-shaped blooms of the Vitex will add color and texture to your garden.
Why is it called a chaste tree?
The plant gets its name from the belief that it is an anaphrodisiac (decreases libido). It is cultivated in warm climates for its foliage and showy flower spikes that attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Who should take chaste tree?
Chaste tree is used by some women to help with problems related to hormone imbalances. Some women use it to help with signs of premenstrual syndrome like bloating, breast pain, or low mood.
How long does it take for a chaste tree to work?
➢ By reducing elevated prolactin levels, chaste tree may allow normal ovulation and corpus luteum function. This would enhance progesterone production. ➢ Chaste tree does not work quickly. It may require 3-6 months of treatment before fertility enhancement is seen.
Are Vitex trees invasive?
Vitex is not on the official list of noxious plants/invasive plants published by the Texas Department of Agriculture or by the USDA. Having said this, there is a concern about its weedy nature in certain areas.
How do you train a chaste tree?
Pruning: Chaste trees benefit from regular pruning. In winter, clean out the entire center of the tree, removing all side branches from the main four or five trunks. Remove twiggy growth that tends to crowd the ends of the branches. Specimens can also be cut to the ground in winter.
Why does my chaste tree have yellow leaves?
The most typical reason your plant’s leaves turned yellow is because of water, but it’s tricky to understand whether you are over-watering or under-watering the plant. If trees aren’t hydrated, the leaves can turn yellow as they try to conserve water. Test your tree’s moisture by using the screwdriver test.
Is Vitex tree evergreen?
vitex trifolia Evergreen shrub or small shrubby tree. Zones CS, TS; USDA 9-11. Native to Asia and Australia. Fast growth to 1220 feet high and wide.
What does chasteberry do for horses?
Chasteberry is an herbal supplement that is used to support mood balance and hormone health in female and male horses. The Chastetree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) plant is a shrub that grows in the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. The fruits and leaves contain active ingredients that influence hormonal balance in horses.
Does chaste tree cause weight gain?
Vitex agnus-castus fruit is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth appropriately. Uncommon side effects include upset stomach, nausea, itching, rash, headaches, acne, trouble sleeping, and weight gain.
Do birds eat chaste berries?
A few good choices are western redbud (Cercis occidentalis), chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), red-leaf rose (Rosa glauca) and strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo). Grapes, currants, gooseberries and other water-wise fruit-bearing shrubs and vining plants provide a great food source for many birds.
