Callicarpa acuminata

The Mexican Beautyberry is a heat and humidity tolerant deciduous shrub and member of the Lamiaceae or mint family. It is also known as Beautyberry or Black Beautyberry. Its native range is from Mexico to Bolivia and has been introduced in the United States. It is reportedly hardy in the piedmont region of North Carolina. The genus, Callicarpa, is Greek and means beautiful fruit. The species, acuminata, is Latin and means pointed or sharp.

The Mexican Beautyberry has pinkish-lavender blooms during the summer. The fruits are large clusters of dark glossy purplish-black berries from late summer to fall. The fruits may even last through the winter. The tight clump of berries forms a whorl around the stems.  Occasionally white berries have been observed. Its flowers and fruits form on the new wood of the shrub. The leaves are sage green, rough, serrated, hairy, wrinkled, and have pointed tips.  The Mexican Beautyberry is similar to the American Beautyberry except it may be shorter. 

The Mexican Beautyberry is typically disease and pest free. If pruning is needed, it is best done in late winter. It is recommended that old canes be removed for rejuvenation of the shrub. Keep in mind that flowers appear on new growth. The shrub is also drought tolerant once it is established.

The shrub's berries provide beautiful color in the fall and winter as well as being a good food source for birds. The showy fruits may also be used in floral arrangements. The leaves when crushed produce a chemical that can repel mosquitos.