What is vitex chaste tree used for?
Chaste tree is claimed to help treat painful breasts (mastodynia). In European herbalism and medicine, vitex extracts are used for uterine fibroid cysts. They help boost breastmilk supply in new mothers. The herb has a long history in balancing hormones.
How fast does a vitex chaste tree grow?
Like most shrubs, vitex is best planted in the spring to give it plenty of time to establish roots before winter dormancy. It is a fast-growing shrub that can shoot up as much as 7 feet in a single season, but most gardeners opt to keep this potentially invasive plant to 10 feet or less in height.
Where does vitex agnus-castus grow?
Best grown in loose, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Plant in sheltered locations north of USDA Zone 7. In USDA Zones 5 and 6, this shrub often suffers winter dieback or dies to the ground.
Are vitex trees messy?
Plant of the Week- Chaste or Pepper Tree – Vitex Angnus – Caretaker Landscape. Long, narrow spikes of purple flowers cover this plant in the summer months. Unfortunately, this tree is fairly messy, shedding all of its leaves in the fall, and dropping old flowers and seeds throughout the year.
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.
Is Vitex the same as chasteberry?
Vitex, which is the name of the largest genus in the Verbenaceae plant family, includes 250 species worldwide (1). Vitex agnus-castus is the most common vitex used medicinally. The Vitex agnus-castus fruit, also known as chasteberry or monk’s pepper, is about the size of a peppercorn.
Is Vitex a tree or a bush?
Vitex, Texas Lilac, or Chaste Tree. Deciduous large shrub or small tree with distinctive palmately compound leaves. Profuse spikes of lavender flowers, blooming heavily in the early summer, and then sporadically throughout the summer and fall. Vitex is heat, drought and pest tolerant.
Do Vitex trees have invasive roots?
This Bush/Tree has large and invasive roots that spread widely. Do not plant it close to your house or your septic system if you have one.
Are Vitex trees fast growing?
The growth rate is about 15-20ft. tall and wide sometimes taller after 30 years. A low water tree once established. Beautiful spiky dark lilac blooms in late spring and early summer.
Do hummingbirds like Vitex?
Vitex Chaste tree is an attractive small tree which blooms in dense clusters of fragrant pale purple flowers. Bloom over an extended season during the summer months when little else is flowering and offers hummingbirds food. A great idea for hummingbird and butterfly habitat.
Does Vitex have invasive roots?
Is vitex a tree or a bush?