Bransford, W.D. Mrs.,
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Family: Verbenaceae (Verbena Family)
Synonym(s):
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Listed by:
Invasive Plant Atlas of the US: 1
Federal Noxious Weed: 0
TDA Noxious Weed: 0
TPWD Prohibited Exotic Species: 0
Description: The chaste tree is a sprawling plant that grows 10-20 ft (3-6 m) and about as wide. Branched flower clusters are produced on new wood in late spring and early summer in a great flush that makes the tree look like a hazy purple cloud. It continues to bloom sporadically until early fall. Not only is the tree strikingly beautiful when in full bloom, but it is also fragrant and attracts pollinating bees and hummingbirds make hungry visits. Flowers are followed by a fleshy fruit that contains four seeds that are sometimes used as seasoning, similar to black pepper (monk's pepper is another of this species' common names). Flower color ranges from violet to blue to deep purple.
History: The species name Agnus castus originates from the Greek agnos castus, meaning chaste, as the Greeks thought the plant calmed sexual passion. Its common name of caste berry and monks pepper also gives some indication of its historical usage.
Biology & Spread:
Ecological Threat: Out competing native vegetation.
US Habitat: Found in limestone outcrops and dry creek beds throughout Central Texas.
Distribution
US Nativity: Introduced to U.S.
Native Origin: S. Europe, W. Asia (Alfred Rehder, Manual of Cultivated Trees and Shrubs: Hardy in North America, The MacMillan Co., New York (1967)); NatureServe Explorer
US States: AL, AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, NM, OK, OR, PA, PR, SC, TN, TX, VA
Resembles/Alternatives:
Management:
USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.
Listing Source
Texas Department ofAgriculture Noxious Plant List
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Prohibited Exotic Species
Invaders Program
Federal Noxious Weed
Union of Concerned Scientists
United States Forest Service Southern Research Station
Text References
Alfred Rehder.1967. Manual of Cultivated Trees and Shrubs: Hardy in North America. The MacMillan Co., New York.
NatureServe Explorer
Floridata. 2004. Vitex agnus-castus. (Accessed 20 August 2010: http://www.floridata.com/ref/v/vitex_a.cfm).
Data Source
Last Updated: 2006-10-09 by LBJWFC