Beach Vitex (Vitex trifolia subsp. litoralis): Salt-Tolerant Shrub for Coastal Gardens

Overview

Beach vitex (Vitex trifolia subsp. litoralis), also called round-leaf chaste tree, is a sprawling, deciduous shrub native to coastal regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It has rounded, trifoliate, gray-green leaves and produces spikes of small, fragrant, lavender-blue flowers in summer. Highly salt- and wind-tolerant.

Botanical Details

• Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
• Genus: Vitex
• Species: trifolia subsp. litoralis
• Synonyms: Vitex ovata, V. repens, V. rotundifolia

Uses & Cautions

Used for dune stabilization and coastal landscaping. Can be invasive in some regions (e.g., southeastern US) due to rapid spread by runners and seed. Check local regulations before planting. In controlled settings, provides erosion control and pollinator forage. Medicinal uses in traditional systems.