Vitex, Three Leaf Chastetree

Vitex trifolia L.

VYE-tex  try-FOL-ee-ah 

Verbenaceae

Explanation of name: Vitex, ancient Latin name; trifolia, Latin for three leaflets

Natural range: Old World Tropics

Recognition: A dense and vigorous flowering shrub. Small blue flowers with white spots in the summer. Rapid growth up to 15’ in height, 12’ spread. Leaflets trifoliate, gray-green. Fruit a drupe with four stones.

Landscape uses: Hedge, because of the fast growth requires frequent pruning. Weedy and invasive (FEPPC Category II).