Vitex is a common sight in older neighborhoods hereabouts. I started this one from a cutting taken from a tree in my parent’s back yard. It makes either a small tree or a big shrub depending on how many trunks you allow it to develop. This one is kind of in-between because I couldn’t quite decide.

I have another one which I started at the same time which has only one trunk and it is now definitely tree-like. Unfortunately it is next to the house and in the front yard so to really appreciate it you have to see it from the street. I usually try to plan my garden the opposite way - so that it looks good when seen from inside through the windows.

Vitex is said to have been widely planted around monasteries in Europe because the seeds were supposed to reduce sexual desire. That is why it is sometimes called chasteberry or lilac chaste tree. The leaves are very fragrant. They are shaped somewhat like hemp leaves and more than once I have been accused of growing that instead.