Vitex agnus castus
Chaste tree
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Vitex agnus castus.
Plant photos
2 photos · Select to enlarge
The branching growth of Vitex agnus-castus.
Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Vitex agnus-castus - Chaste tree 01.jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Vitex agnus-castus in flower.
Cillas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Vitex agnus-castus 1.JPG
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Common names
5 names · 3 languages- EnglishYour language
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- Chaste tree
Other languages (2)
- Dutch
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- Kuisheidsboom
- Monnikenpeper
- Monnikspeper
- French
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- Gattilier
Sources & name notes
Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.
General information
Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.
Sources [1]Plant characteristics
Growing conditions
Well-drained, Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun
Uses
Condiment
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
Sources and references
References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
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.