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Chinese Chaste Tree

Vitex negundo

Found in disturbed areas, road shoulders. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Florida edition What its natural habitat tells you

—
Not native

Not native to Florida. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 76%

Height
10–15 feet
Spread
6–10 feet
Light
Full sun
Soil moisture
Somewhat dry to moist
See native alternatives

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  • Possumhaw Viburnum
    Viburnum nudum

    Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Usually moist. Flowers: Cream or white.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

    Different: bloom season

  • Buttonbush
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    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Moist to wet. Flowers: White.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • Carolina Buckthorn
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    Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Usually moist. Flowers: Cream or green.

    Similar growth form, height, evergreen or deciduous

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At a glance

Life cycle
Woody perennial
Leaves
Deciduous
Bloom
June to July
Fruiting season
August to November

Recorded in 4 Florida counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

1CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including FL

Genus host records with ranges including FL · Vitex

  • Condylorrhiza vestigialisThe Alamo Moth
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Lamiaceae
Hardiness
Zones 6a–9b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
Blue, pink, purple or white
Fruit begins
August
Fruit ends
November

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope

Conservation status

Florida rankSNA
Global rankNot available
FL statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source

Sources