Vitex agnus-castus [blue form]

Common name(s): chaste tree, chasteberry, monk's pepper

Description: a small, deciduous tree with aromatic, palmate leaves and copious amounts of fragrant blue-purple flower spikes in summer. Flowers are high in nectar and V. agnus-castus often ranks in lists and articles of "top 10 bee plants". Fruits have been used in traditional medicine and ground into a spice. Tolerates poor soil.

Height: to 15 ft. Spread: to 10 ft.

Position: full sun to partial shade

Uses: medicine, basket-making, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 4 months of summer drought