Beautyberry Callicarpa americana

The American Beautyberry is a native, medium-sized, ornamental, deciduous shrub that produces showy purple fruits in the fall. It is a member of the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. This fast-growing shrub is native to the central and southeastern United States, as well as the Caribbean and northern Mexico.  The shrub is also known as Beautyberry, American Mulberry, French Mulberry, or Sour-bush. The genus, Callicarpa, is Greek and means beautiful fruit. The species name, americana, means "of the Americas."

It is typically found in open meadows, thickets, or woodlands. In the spring, green leaves emerge on upright arching stems. Clusters of flowers bloom on the stems in colors of blue, violet, pink, or white during the late spring and early summer. Clusters of purplish to bluish berries develop in August through October and encircle the stem. A pink fruited and several white fruited forms have been found. The fruits may last through early winter. They are a good food source for songbirds and small mammals. 

The shrub prefers full sun and is intolerant to deep shade. It can be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, or transplanting volunteer plants. The American Beautyberry needs little care once it is established.

This fall-fruiting shrub is suited for mass plantings, large landscapes, naturalized areas, and container gardening. They seem to produce more fruit if several more of the same type shrubs are planted nearby. The leaves, when crushed, produce a chemical that can repel mosquitos. 

The American Beautyberry is similar but taller than the Mexican Beautyberry.

Allow plenty of room for this large shrub unless regular pruning is done. If pruning is needed, it is best done in late winter. It is recommended that old canes be removed for rejuvenation of the shrub because the flowers and fruits appear on new shoots,