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American beautyberry
Scientific Name: Callicarpa americana
Family: Verbenaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: MD (French mulberry)
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
The American beautyberry is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its vibrant magenta berries that create a striking display in the fall and winter.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that the American beautyberry has outward-pointing branches, which could pose a minor consideration depending on the size and activity level of pets.
Considerations for Children
- The American beautyberry has branches that are pointing outward, which could pose a minor consideration depending on the size and activity level of children.
Common Names
- American beautyberry
- French mulberry
- Bunchberry
- Purple beauty-berry
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Callicarpa americana
- Family: Verbenaceae
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Synonym: Callicarpa americana var. lactea F.J. Müll.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Southern United States.
- Common in East Texas, especially in the coastal plain pinelands and rich woods and thickets.
- Hardy in Zones 7-11 (some sources mention 6-9 or 5-8).
- Can be found in the NC Coastal Plain and Piedmont.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Typically grows 3-5 feet tall and wide, but can reach up to 9 feet in favorable conditions.
- Deciduous shrub with a loose, open form and outward-pointing branches.
- Rapidly-growing and forms a loosely-arranged, rounded shrub, five to eight feet tall and equally wide.
- Small, greenish-white flowers.
- Bright magenta berries clustered tightly around the stem.
- Fragrant, fuzzy green foliage.
- Multiple stems and an open growth habit.
- Large opposite ovate leaves that are scurfy-pubescent and smell vaguely.
Ecological Role
- Important food source for wildlife, especially in the fall.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Foliage is considered moderately deer-resistant.
- Berries attract wildlife.
- Historically used as an insect repellent.
Quirky Facts
- The American beautyberry has been used as an insect repellent, with some people rubbing the berries on their skin.
Resources and Further Information
- Dave's Garden
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wildlife Resources Management Manual, Section 7.5.8
- Native American Seed
- USF Herbarium
- Lowes.com