Chilopsis ‘Rio Salado’

Desert Willow

OVERVIEW:

Vitex agnus-castus, commonly called chaste tree, is typically grown in warm climates as a deciduous multi-stemmed shrub reaching 10 to 15 feet tall or trained as a single trunk tree to reach closer to 20 feet. Features grayish-green compound leaves with 5-7 lance-shaped leaflets (each leaflet 6" long) and tiny, fragrant, pale violet flowers appearing in loose panicles in mid to late summer. Because flowering appears on new growth, winter dieback or pruning will not affect flowering. This species also produces a fruit known as the chasteberry and has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. Propagation of chaste tree is taken from cuttings in summer or early winter and best grown in loose, medium moisture, well-drained alkaline soil in full sun or partial shade.  

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Vitex agnus-castus

Common Name: Chaste tree

Family: Lamiaceae

Suggested Uses: Container or above-ground planter, buffer strips around parking lots, hedge, urban garden

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 10 to 15 feet and 5 to 8 feet wide

Foliage: grayish-green compound leaves

Flower: Showy, fragrant, violet panicles

Bloom Period: July - August

Fruit: Inconspicuous 

Bark:  Gray and can be smooth or furrowed

ENVIRONMENT:

Sun: Full sun

Water: Water regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat or containers.

Soil: Variety-clay, sand, acidic, alkaline, well-drained 

USDA Zone: 6-9