Chaste Tree Encore
The chaste tree up on The Hill treated me to an unexpected out-of-season flush of flowers this week. The chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a small deciduous tree that normally blooms in late Spring followed by smaller crops of flowers on and off throughout the summer. This is the first year it's bloomed in November and the bees, butterflies and I are all happy to see its vibrant violet flowers whenever we can. There's still a few Gulf Fritillary hanging around that I know are appreciating this unexpected nectar source as most of the garden flowers are way past prime.
This is a spectacularly beautiful tree and one of my favorites. Sure the flowers are beautiful and the foliage resembles that of marijuana (good for playing tricks on your Mom and nosy neighbors), but best of all - it is drought resistant and is more than happy to grow in the super fast-draining sand that passes for soil at my place.
Since I still have a bit of potting soil left from last weekend's projects I think I'll take some cuttings and try to root a bunch of them. I'd like to have a mini-grove of them out front as part of an on-going project to turn my place into a Butterfly Vacation Resort and Spa.
Click here to read Floridata's Profile of Vitex agnus-castus.

Click here to download a large version (800x600) of this chaste tree flower picture.