Vitex trifolia is a fast-growing shrub to small tree often planted for its attractive, purple-tinged new growth. Its leaves mature into a softening light to pale green and release a peppery scent when crushed. Small, long-lasting lavender flowers attract butterflies and bees and are followed by pale yellow berries that darken with age. This durable species can tolerate wind and heat, but briefly drops its foliage in response to frost. Widely cultivated as an ornamental, it has become naturalized and invasive to certain subtropical to tropical regions like Cuba.

Native Range: Eastern Africa to Polynesia

Horticultural use: Accent, Coastal Screen, Coastal Tree, Container, Flowering Tree, Garden, Hedge, Large Container, Planter, Patio Tree, Seaside Screen, Seaside Tree, Seaside, Screen Tree, Small Tree, Specimen, Specimen Tree or Wind Screen

Tree Shape: Shrub or Vase
Foliage Type: Partly Deciduous
Maximum Tree Height: 15 feet
Canopy Width: null10feet
Leaf Arrangement and Form: Opposite and Trifoliate
Leaf Shape: Obovate
Leaf Color: Reddish or Purple
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Flower Color: Purple or Lavender
Flower Time: Summer
Fruit Size and Color: Small Pale Yellow, Brown Berry
Bark Color: Light brown
Bark Texture: Smooth

Recommended Planting Area: 2′ to 4′
Water Use Rating: Medium
Sunset Climate Zone: H1 and H2
Soil Texture: Sand or Loam
Salt Tolerance: High
Schoolyard Trees: No
Shade Tolerance: No

Wildlife Interactions: Attracts Bees, Birds and Butterflies