St. Mary's botany in the parking lot

St. Mary's has been on the same site (on the point between Poplar and Alabama) for more than 150 years. That means there are trees in the local area that may date back over 100 years. Here is one example:

Tree #76 Black walnut continued

We already saw a black walnut in "A trip to the farm". Here is another black walnut in the parking lot at St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. 

The fruit is now growing on this tree.

Walnuts on the tree June 29, 2014

It is not known how old this tree is, but the trunk is quite large and it could be over 100 years.

Tree #82 Vitex agnus-castus the chaste tree

On the north side of the parking lot there are four vitex shrubs. These produce an attractive purple flower spike that attracts butterflies.

A closeup of the vitex leaves, June 29, 2014

The chaste tree (both agnus and castus mean chaste) was considered to be the opposite of an aphrodisiac, a suppressor of libido. Today it is sold as a alternative medicine supplement for relief of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual cycle irregularities. Jump ahead to the Vitex saga