Vitex agnus-castus L.

Aromatic shrub or low tree to 5 m, with densely short-hairy twigs; lvs (3)5–9-foliolate; lfls narrowly elliptic, long-pointed at both ends, the central one 4.5–11.5 × 1–2 cm, the others smaller, short-hairy to tomentose at least beneath; cymules small, sessile or subsessile, aggregated into a long terminal mixed panicle; cal 2–2.5 mm; cor lavender or lilac, the tube 6–7 mm, white-puberulent above the cal, the limb 5–13 mm wide; fr subglobose, 3 mm. Native to Eurasia, often escaped from cult. in s. U.S., n. to Md. Apr.–Oct.

It is a temperate plant. It will grow in most soils. It needs a protected, sunny position. It is native to S Europe. It grows in dry deciduous woodland. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

The seeds are used as a spice. They are a substitute for pepper. The leaves are used as a spice.

It can be grown from seeds or cuttings.