Description

CHASTE TREE (Vitex agnus-castus), also known as Monk's Pepper, is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean and Africa and is an important medicinal. It is also a knockout deciduous ornamental, grown as either shrub or tree, much like butterfly bush, with a fantastic fragrant floral display that begins in late Spring and continues until early fall, attracting bees and hummingbirds in droves. A fleshy fruit follows which produces a seed that is similar to peppercorn and used as a substitute. Flower color ranges from lavender, to deep blue to purple. The leaves do resemble cannibis so you might want to put a large identification sign so the police don't haul it (and you) away (just kidding). Grows 10 feet high and wide. I grew my Mother tree from seed several years ago, though it took a couple of replacements to find the location where it is happiest. 25 Seeds.

MEDICINAL: Chaste Tree has earned its name because it has a profound effect on the body's hormone balance. Its common name was earned because of its reputed ability to tame the libido, but others claim it as an aphrodisiac, so caution here in reliance for either use. What has been shown to be both safe and effective is its use in mitigating symptoms of PMS and regulating menses. (Not to be used by pregnant or lactating women, however.)

GROWING TIPS: Easy to grow in almost any soil with good drainage. (I started mine indoors giving the seeds some stratification in the freezer.) Winter pruning can control size.