Plant Details

Vitex agnus castus

Chaste tree

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Vitex agnus castus.

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Common names

5 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Chaste tree
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Kuisheidsboom
  • Monnikenpeper
  • Monnikspeper
French
  • Gattilier
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Vitex agnus castus
Accepted name (Kew): Vitex agnus-castus View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Lamiaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Vitex (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Chaste tree

Plant characteristics

Layer: Shrub
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Growth rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 7-9
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Condiment
Edibility rating:
(2)
Medicinal rating:
(5)
Functions:
Basketry, Dye, Essential oil, Wood, Fragrant

Description

The fruit of this plant is used as a spice and serves as a substitute for pepper. The aromatic leaves are also used as a spice. They are an important ingredient in the famous Moroccan spice blend 'ras el hanout.' However, it is very unlikely that the seed is produced in Great Britain.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 15/09
Harvest ends: 15/10

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Vitex agnus-castus L., name ID 213297, row 1114707
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 1114692; name ID 213290; Vitex L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.