Another summer blooming tree is Vitex agnus-castus. This tree adds a soft lavender blush to the landscape. This versatile plant can be trained as a large shrub or a small multi-trunked tree about 10 to 15 feet tall and wide. The lavender-blue spikes of vitex provide a wonderful show of color. Despite their graceful, almost delicate appearance, vitex trees are tough as nails and remarkably drought-tolerant. During periods of hot dry weather, the trees flourish for all to enjoy. You can find this specimen as you enter the Ground Floor Woolman Building from parking lot I on the Medford Campus.