How to identify Chinese chaste tree (Vitex negundo)
Chinese chaste tree, also known as Horseshoe vitex
Chinese chaste tree is characterized by its loose, open vase-shaped branching and intriguing foliage. This shrub or small tree thrives under full sun exposure, revealing its flowers in mid to late summer on 5-8 inch (12.7-20.3 cm) panicles. Its leaves typically prune well in early spring to promote vigorous new growth. The blossoms encourage repeated blooming if deadheaded, flourishing in loose, moist, and well-draining soil conditions. The overall form is aesthetically pleasing with a natural, relaxed silhouette.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Fragrant blue-purple flowers on 5-8 inch panicles bloom in summer.
Succulent black to purple drupes with fleshy interior, ready for harvest.
Grayish-green leaves with 3-7 lanceolate leaflets, covered in wooly hairs.
Sturdy trunk supports a spreading canopy with reddish-brown textured bark.
Loose, open vase-shaped branching with aesthetically pleasing silhouette.
The leaves of chinese chaste tree are grayish-green and typically feature 3-7 leaflets per stem, with the middle leaflet being the largest. Each leaflet can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. The underside is densely covered with matted wooly hairs, giving it a distinct texture. These leaflets are narrowly ovate to lanceolate in shape, displaying a fine venation pattern and contributing to the plant's overall distinct foliage appearance.
The flowers of chinese chaste tree are fragrant and feature small blue-purple, lilac, or lavender hues. They bloom in loose clusters on panicles measuring 5-8 inches (12.7-20.3 cm) during the summer on new growth. Each flower has petals of varying lengths, with the middle lobe being the longest. Both the corolla and calyx are covered in fine hairs, contributing to their unique texture.
The fruit of chinese chaste tree is a succulent drupe that when ripe, displays an appealing black to purple hue. Each fruit is rounded to egg-shaped, indicating a fleshy interior encapsulated within a firm outer skin. Normally reaching dimensions that can be appreciated upon casual observation, these characteristics are critical for identification. The fruit's mature coloration signifies readiness for harvest or natural dispersal.
Scan QR code to download
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Identify a Plant Online
Scientific Classification of Chinese chaste tree
