• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Texas A&M Forest Service
  • Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostics Laboratory
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Research
  • Texas A&M College of Agrculture and Life Sciences
Somervell County Master Gardeners
Somervell County Master GardenersTexas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
  • Menu
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Gardening Info
  • News
  • Members Only
    • Members Hour Form
    • Meeting and Financial Documents
    • Constitution and By- Laws

The Texas Lilac Vitex or Chaste Tree

August 3, 2014 by lheideman

by Merilyn Cranford, Somervell County Master Gardener

vitex6One of my favorite plants I look for in spring is the vitex or chaste tree.  It has beautiful purple/lavender cone-shaped blooms and exudes a fragrance that no other tree has.  It’s name is derived from the Latin “vieo” meaning to weave or tie up, a reference to the use of Vitex agnus-castus in basketry.   It is known in both Greek and Latin as “Chaste” since in ancient times it was thought to be an aphrodisiac.

The plant is widely cultivated in warm, temperate climates for its foliage and butterfly/bee-attracting spikes of lavender flowers.  I am told it will grow to a height of 12 feet or more and requires full sun or partial shade along with well-drained soil.  Also, it is hearty to Zone 7.

Additionally, it is a traditional plant of Africa and has a potential to improve nutrition and support sustainable landcare.  It’s flowers and ripening seeds are harvested for medicinal purposes.

For anyone searching for a drought-tolerate tree, this one is for you.  It is also suitable for xeriscaping, and very easily grown.  So, when you happen to be out and about in our area, look for this beauty.  You will find it everywhere, especially in early summer when the beautiful purple flowers are sure to catch your eye.

Here’s a tip:  After the tree produces its flowers, let them die, then clip them off and the tree will produce more flowers.

HAPPY GARDENING !

Filed Under: Current Newsletter, Favorite Plants, Newsletters

Upcoming Events

Jun 12
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

June 2023 CHES Event

Jun 21
10:00 am - 11:00 am Event Series

Monthly Meeting

Jul 19
10:00 am - 11:00 am Event Series

Monthly Meeting

Aug 16
10:00 am - 11:00 am Event Series

Monthly Meeting

Sep 20
10:00 am - 11:00 am Event Series

Monthly Meeting

View Calendar

Get Updates

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

RSS Recent Posts

  • June 12 CHES – Running a Cut Flower Farm
  • UPDATE – May 8 CHES – Gardening for Pollinators with Addison Singleton
  • May 8 CHES – Gardening for Pollinators with Addison Singleton
  • Plant Sale Saturday!!

Administrator Only

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M University System Member
  • Compact with Texans
  • Privacy and Security
  • Accessibility Policy
  • State Link Policy
  • Statewide Search
  • Veterans Benefits
  • Military Families
  • Risk, Fraud & Misconduct Hotline
  • Texas Homeland Security
  • Texas Veterans Portal
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Open Records/Public Information