Vitex is used as an herbal supplement, dating back to the writings of Hippocrates. It has astringent properties and it is effective for treating premenstrual syndrome.

Last year, I had a man from India call me, looking for one.  He said that in India, they made the leaves into a liquid and use it as a natural fungicide.  I have grow quite fond of this beauty.  It blooms in the spring and in the fall and it is absolutely full of long-lasting blooms.  I have never had any problems with it, other than the fact that it grew so big, we were hitting it with the cars as we came down the driveway.  It responds well to pruning: like other shrubs, pruning promotes lateral branches and make it even more full and eye-catching!

I'm fascinated with the Vitex.  I had never even heard of it until something resembling a weed popped up in the garden (that happens a lot, I forget what I planted and where I planted it) Luckily, I left it alone and, lo and behold, it turned into this beauty!  The hummingbirds and bees adore it. Vitex is native to India and China and has been cultivated in the U.S. since 1670 (http://www.plantanswers.com/vitex.htm). I have used the flowers from the Vitex in arrangements and they are quite long-lasting as cut flowers.  It is deer resistant (so I've read).  It's mature size is 15-20' tall and 10-15' wide.  It has a lovely shape and needs very little water once established.

My son is such a dork. No idea where he gets it.