Chasteberry

Vitex agnus-castus

Assists the woman, calms the man.

Shrub3×5 mzone 7–9full sun

Profile

Family: Verbenaceae
Habit: Shrub
Height: 3 m
Spread: 5 m
Growth: fast
Lifespan: 30 years
First yield: after 3 years
Hardiness: zone 7–9
Shade tolerance: full sun
Soil: Sand, Silt, Loam
Soil moisture: dry – very moist
pH: 5.5 – 8

scentednectar source

Flowering & harvest

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Flowering

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible4 of 10

Medicinal9 of 10

Other uses5 of 10

Value for wildlife

Ecological value for biodiversity Avian life: Seeds are eaten by birds (e.g., goldfinches). Insect magnet: Important late summer nectar source.

Origin & habitat

Open arid areas at altitudes of up to 1000 meters in Nepal.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: slightly toxic

Headaches, stomach pains, diarrhea, heavier menstrual bleeding, skin irritations, itching.

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Plan this plant into your own garden

Permaplans plans your garden to scale on the map — with a site check, harvest calendar and over 1,000 plants. Free for iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows & Linux.

Get the app for free

Will this plant grow where you live? → Check your site