Out in the Garden

The Chaste Tree

I’ve been anxious to add a particular plant to the garden collections for quite some time and got my opportunity recently. You will find a small plant with fragrant deep green leaves that look suspiciously like marijuana in the planters by the Carriage House. This is Vitex agnus-castus, commonly called the chaste tree.

Vitex is native to the Mediterranean region and has been in cultivation since Ancient Greek times. As the common name suggests, this plant was used as an anaphrodisiac for men, meaning it has been proven to decrease libido. Additionally, it is well documented to relieve many symptoms of PMS and menopause, increase fertility, and even works as a natural biting-insect deterrent! It’s unsurprising that with all these medicinal uses, the plant was revered by many religious cultures throughout history, finding its way into various ceremonies and mythological tales.

The plant is a medium to large shrub, though it can be trained into a tree form with some patience. Beautiful lavender-purple flowers are borne in loose panicles from July through August. Both the leaves and flowers have a pleasant fragrance, and the plant is a wonderful pollinator, being especially attractive to butterflies. Though small and unassuming now, the plants should quickly fill the containers over the next few years, rapidly becoming a summer focal point on the East Terrace.