Pūriri Vitex lucens
Pūriri (Vitex lucens) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Lamiaceae family, native to Northern North Island, New Zealand (endemic). It grows 12–20 m (39–66 ft) tall and 8–14 m (26–46 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
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Pūriri at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 12–20 m (39–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–14 m (26–46 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 261–417 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Northern North Island, New Zealand (endemic) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Pūriri toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pūriri
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Pūriri
- How far apart should I plant Pūriri?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–14 m (26–46 ft).
- Does Pūriri need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pūriri need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pūriri?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Pūriri flower?
- About 261–417 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks.
- Is Pūriri poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Pūriri?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pūriri. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network: flora, NZPCN
- Flora of New Zealand and Ngā Tipu Whakaoranga (Māori plant use), Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
Notes and assumptions
- Flowers and cherry-red fruit almost all year, so tūī and kererū visit year-round. Frost-tender when young.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare