Plant portrait: Vitex negundo
Vitex negundo
Native to parts of Africa and Asia, including Japan.
Height: ~8m
Bloom: July – August
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Soil: Medium moisture, well-drained, alkaline
Hardiness: Hardy in warm winter climates
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
The fabulous tree
I found this tree in May in the Kiyosumi garden where it has just grown new leaves at that time. It looked different than any tree I know. Shrubs yes, trees no, and I couldn’t find it when searching the internet. However, thanks to a lucky incident with Google earth, I identified it as Vitex negundo.
After reading a little bit more about this tree I found it sad that it isn’t commonly used here, because it is quite interesting.
Climate
I guess the climate in Tokyo isn’t perfect for this deciduous tree. When the winters are too cold, it usually grows as a shrub and since deciduous shrubs and trees aren’t popular at the moment, it seems not to be used very often.
Appearance
However, its appearance is very pleasing. The leaves are filigree and three- or five-leaved and the flowers remind at Lilac or Russian sage. It has an aromatic smell and attracts butterflies and bees. This is one of the reasons why I want to give this tree a little more attention!
If you have the right conditions at home, please consider planting a Vitex! It’s a beautiful tree which also helps wildlife in your garden!
Traditional uses
In the Phillippines, it is used to treat stored garlic against pests and it is said that it can control mosquitoes. But I do not know how..
Vitex negundo is also a traditional treatment for women’s health and cough, especially in Malaysia.
The roots and leaves are used for herb teas and the plant is used in Kanpo medicine against diarrhea and headache.
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With twelve years of professional landscaping experience under her belt, Anika Ogusu is your perfect guide to the world of Japanese gardens. Her love of nature began early, in the woods near her childhood home and the garden of her grandmother’s house. During her teenage years she developed a strong interest in Japanese culture, and after university she decided to combine her love of Japan and gardens into a profession. Anika started her career as chief gardener in charge of the perennial valley at the Botanical Garden in Hamburg, Germany, then moved to Tokyo in pursuit of her dream. For two years she apprenticed under local landscape designers and learned the art of Japanese garden design, construction and maintenance. Now, in partnership with Real Japanese Gardens (www.japanesegardens.jp), her wish is to spread the magic of Japanese gardens to the rest of the world. Her in-depth guide books on gardens throughout Japan are available in eBook format or paperback. In her free time, Anika enjoys exploring her adopted country (especially green moss gardens), and soaking up nature and any details that interest her.
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With twelve years of professional landscaping experience under her belt, Anika Ogusu is your perfect guide to the world of Japanese gardens. Her love of nature began early, in the woods near her childhood home and the garden of her grandmother’s house. During her teenage years she developed a strong interest in Japanese culture, and after university she decided to combine her love of Japan and gardens into a profession. Anika started her career as chief gardener in charge of the perennial valley at the Botanical Garden in Hamburg, Germany, then moved to Tokyo in pursuit of her dream. For two years she apprenticed under local landscape designers and learned the art of Japanese garden design, construction and maintenance. Now, in partnership with Real Japanese Gardens (www.japanesegardens.jp), her wish is to spread the magic of Japanese gardens to the rest of the world. Her in-depth guide books on gardens throughout Japan are available in eBook format or paperback. In her free time, Anika enjoys exploring her adopted country (especially green moss gardens), and soaking up nature and any details that interest her.
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