Your vitex has especially long inflorescences! They are much longer than what I'm seeing on mine. What kind of polinators are attracted to your vitex?

I planted a very small white vitex and a three gallon purple vitex last fall. They are growing very fast and the purple one has been blooming since spring, but I haven't noticed much of anything being attracted to it. But there just aren't that many bees and butterflies around my yard and I'm not sure why not, although I've been blaming it on the drought.

Nice! I agree about the inflorescences. Does it have something to do with the variety?

If so, I would not mind some seed. It does look like it might be been shade grown.

Gorgeous! No wonder many refer to them as Texas Lilacs!

My beautiful purple vitex is now coming to the end of its bloom time. It attracts all kinds of pollinators (bees and butterflies) but is especially enjoyed by the hummingbirds.
The seeds are also a favorite of some birds like cardinals.
So it's a food source as well. And of course there is a fascinating history of its medicinal properties for humans as well. Can't have enough Vitex trees!

Here is a link that might be useful: The Vitex Tree's History and Medicinal Uses

This post was edited by mrs.wiggley on Tue, Jul 29, 14 at 12:47

Some people think there is too many of them. It is on the state invasive list because it is out competing native flora in Central Texas.

I don't know if this is warranted. I am confused about the intent to hold natural flora to a static sense of norm. I have not seen them every where where I am. I have never seen a forest of these guys.

Here is a link that might be useful: Texas Invasive List

interesting that it is invasive in more favored climates. i grew the plant from a cutting because of the extra long inflorescences-love that word-or are they trusses? it has never seeded here so have no idea if it comes true.

It is not in EAST texas where it is wetter, but in wetter than Reno Central Texas, it is naturalizing. I am not sure if Naturalizing means invasiveness, but to these guys it seems to. There is some people who see these communities as more diverse and richer. I am thinking about this. The Holistic Land management people have a whole other take on this. They look at flora as a functional environments that do not have to be static.

Is there a name for this variation of Vitex. I will google it and see if I can find another.

I'm confused about the invasiveness issue and would like to know more about it. My Vitex goes to seed but have never seen any baby Vitex trees sprout up anywhere...yet. I've had mine for many years now. I manage for wildlife and this tree was among those recommended to me.

It is a confusing issue and a very controversial one. Knowledgable people weighing in on both sides. We should probably give it its own thread and not take over David's vitex thread.. I have an interesting thought provoking site that I need to look up.