Beautyberry Callicarpa americana
ABOUT
Callicarpa americana, commonly known as American beautyberry, is a striking deciduous shrub known for its vibrant display of purple berries that cluster around its stems. This plant boasts large, lush green leaves that are broadly oval and have toothed margins. The foliage can turn yellow-green in fall, offering a warm change of hue as the seasons transition. The most striking feature, the eye-catching berries, appear in the late summer to fall and persist into the winter, providing visual interest even after the leaves drop. These berries are tightly grouped in clusters that encircle the stem, and their bright purple color is quite unusual and distinctive in the plant world. In spring and early summer, the American beautyberry blooms with small, pink to lavender, or even white flowers. These petite flowers are clustered in the leaf axils, laying the foundation for the later development of the vivid berries. The contrast between the flowers, the ripe fruit, and the foliage creates a multi-seasonal display that is highly valued in gardens and natural settings alike. Overall, the American beautyberry has a loose and open form, with its branches tending to arch gracefully under the weight of the berries. This combination of unique fruit display and attractive foliage makes it a cherished choice for those seeking to add a splash of color and natural beauty to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
American Beautyberry, French Mulberry, American Mulberry, Spanish Mulberry, Bermuda Mulberry, Sourbush, Purple Beautyberry.
Common names
Callicarpa americana var. lactea Fosberg, Callicarpa lactea (Fosberg) Fernald
ToxicityTo humans
American beautyberry is not considered toxic to humans. However, it is generally not recommended for consumption as it is not a commonly recognized food plant. If ingested in large amounts, nonspecific gastrointestinal discomfort could theoretically occur due to the ingestion of non-food plant parts.
To pets
American beautyberry is not typically listed as toxic to pets. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption in large quantities could lead to stomach upset or other gastrointestinal symptoms in pets. It is always best to prevent pets from consuming plants not meant for their diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-6 feet (0.91-1.82 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.91-1.82 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6-10
Native area
Southeastern United States
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Callicarpa americana, commonly known as American beautyberry, provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant offers shelter and breeding spots for various small animals and birds.
- Food Source for Wildlife: Birds and mammals consume the purple berries, which can be an important food source, especially in winter.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vivid purple berries and lush green foliage, American beautyberry is popular in landscaping for its ornamental value.
- Erosion Control: Its roots help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, especially in areas with loose or sandy soil.
- Native Plant: As a native species, it supports local ecosystems and is adapted to local climatic conditions, requiring less maintenance.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: The leaves of American beautyberry contain compounds that exhibit antioxidant properties.
- Antimicrobial: Some studies suggest that extracts from American beautyberry may have antibacterial and antifungal effects.
- Insect repellent: Traditional use and some research indicate that compounds in American beautyberry leaves can repel certain insects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- American beautyberry plants can be used as a natural insect repellent; Native Americans used the crushed leaves to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
- The dense shrubbery provides excellent cover for small animals, making it a good choice for wildlife gardens or naturalized areas.
- The berries are a source of food for birds, with over 40 species known to consume them, particularly in the winter when food is scarce.
- Due to its striking purple berries, American beautyberry can be employed in floral arrangements and wreath-making for decorative purposes.
- The plant can be used for natural dyeing; the berries produce varying shades of pink, purple, and gray depending on the mordant used.
- American beautyberry can play a role in erosion control because of its extensive root system, which helps stabilize the soil.
- The flexible and strong stems were historically used by Native Americans for basket weaving and other crafting purposes.
- As a companion plant, American beautyberry may deter certain pests from nearby plants in gardens due to its insect-repellent properties.
- The leaves can be used to create a pleasant, herbal-scented potpourri.
- Gardeners may propagate the American beautyberry to share with friends or to sell at plant sales, as it roots easily from cuttings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe American beautyberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe American beautyberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Often referred to as Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana is symbolic of natural beauty, due to its striking purple berries which stand out in the landscape.
- Youthful Charm: The vibrant color of its berries is reminiscent of youthful energy and playfulness.
- Protection: In some traditions, these berries are thought to repel negative energies and protect against evil spirits.
- Abundance: The plentiful clusters of berries can symbolize abundance and prosperity.
- Preparation: As the plant is known to prepare for the future by storing nourishment in its berries for wildlife, it can represent preparedness and planning ahead.
WaterFor the American beautyberry, it is crucial to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep root system. Afterwards, it becomes more drought-tolerant. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time, which translates to approximately 0.62-1.25 gallons for an average-sized shrub. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. Always check the soil moisture before watering; if the top inch is dry, it’s time to water.
LightThe American beautyberry thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Select a location that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some dappled shade during the hottest part of the day. This light condition will encourage prolific flowering and berry production.
TemperatureAmerican beautyberry prefers a moderate climate and will grow best in temperatures ranging from 40°F to 90°F. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 10, tolerating minimum winter temperatures down to 0°F. The ideal growing conditions are in regions where temperatures do not frequently dip below freezing in the winter or soar above 90°F in the summer.
PruningPrune the American beautyberry in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning is primarily done to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Annually cut back up to one-third of the oldest stems to ground level to rejuvenate the plant. Additional light pruning can be done after the berries have fallen to maintain the desired shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAmerican beautyberry prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter with an ideal pH range of 5 to 8. A mix of loam, compost, and sand or perlite is suitable to ensure proper drainage and nutrient availability for the plant.
RepottingAmerican beautyberry does not require frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it has outgrown its current container to give it more space to grow.
Humidity & MistingAmerican beautyberry thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable and can tolerate the lower humidity found in most home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place American beautyberry in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant American beautyberry in partial shade to full sun.
Hardiness zone
6-10 USDA.
Life cycleBeautyberry, or Callicarpa americana, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, emerging as seedlings in favorable soil and light conditions. The seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing a fibrous root system and foliage. As it enters maturity, Beautyberry produces distinctive green foliage during its active growth period in spring and summer, accompanied by small pink to white flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the plant produces its signature clusters of purple or magenta berries in late summer to fall, which are important food sources for birds and other wildlife. The plant goes dormant in winter, losing leaves in colder climates, but the root system remains alive underground. Yearly growth cycles repeat with the plant flowering and bearing fruit annually once mature, and the plant can reproduce both by seed and vegetatively by rooting at stem nodes when they contact the ground.
PropogationPropogation time
Summer to early fall
American beautyberry, scientifically known as Callicarpa americana, is most popularly propagated through its seeds. The best time to propagate by seeds is in the fall, immediately after the berries have ripened and seeds can be collected. To ensure a higher germination rate, it is important to clean and dry the seeds thoroughly before sowing. Once prepared, seeds can be sown directly into a prepared seed bed or into pots with well-draining soil. They require light to germinate, so the seeds should not be covered with soil or are only lightly covered. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and with patience and proper care, seedlings will emerge in the spring. Seed propagation can be a gradual process, as American beautyberry seeds may take several months to germinate, and it may be a few years before the plants reach maturity and produce the characteristic vibrant purple berries.
