Chaste tree

Vitex agnus-castus L.

Family: Lamiaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

The sources we use do not describe a hazard to people.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA index has no Vitex or chaste tree page. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Vitex agnus-castus L., not on the common name.. NC State lists "Texas lilac" for this plant, but it is not a lilac (Syringa); it is a mint-family shrub. It is also not the crape myrtle despite a similar summer flower display.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 7a-8b per NC State Plant Toolbox (NC State text: hardy in zones 7 to 8; dies back or to the ground in zones 5 and 6 but often resprouts)
Light: Full sun per NC State.
Water needs: low low is a plain-language reading of NC State: good drought tolerance once established; root rot can occur in too-moist soil. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: NC State: usually a 10-15 ft shrub; 8-20 ft tall and 5-20 ft wide; tree form to about 20 ft; adds up to 24 in a year; some cultivars 3-6 ft, others 25-30 ft

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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