Genus: Vitex

Common Names: the common name, chaste tree, traditionally refers to V. agnus-castus but is sometimes applied to other members of the genus.

A genus of about 250 species around 18 of which are in cultivation for various uses. "In Greece [the stems] have been used to make strong ties ... Odysseus is supposed to have used the supple branches of Vitex to bind his companions beneath the bellies of sheep in order to escape from the cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus ... berries can be used as a spice instead of pepper. These berries, renowned for their anaphrodisiac properties, have been used since antiquity to suppress sexual urges. In the Middle Ages Vitex was planted near monasteries so that monks and nuns could regularly eat the berries to help them combat the torments of the flesh ... agnus comes from the Greek agnos 'pure,' while castus means 'chaste' in Latin (1)."

Distribution: tropics, subtropics, temperate Eurasia, and a single species in New Zealand

1. Filippi, O. (2008). The Dry Gardening Handbook: Plants and Practices for a Changing Climate. United Kingdom: Thames & Hudson.

Vitex agnus-castus

Common name(s): Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Monk's Pepper

Description: A small deciduous tree that blooms massive clusters of fragrant flowers in summer. It is an excellent pollinator plant and often ranks in lists and articles of "top 10 bee plants" published by all sorts of reputable and unreputable sources alike. 

Height: to 15 ft. Spread: to 10 ft.

Position: full sun, tolerant of poor, dry soil

Uses: medicine, basket-making, and to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: 0 F and below

Drought: Adapted to 4 months of summer drought