Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry)

Callicarpa americana, also known as American beautyberry, is an eye-catching shrub that grows to 4-8' feet tall and wide. Common across much of the American southeast, beautyberry is known for its vibrant pink-purple berries that add a ton of ecological and ornamental value to the home landscape. In the spring, bright lime-green foliage emerges, followed by pink-lavender flowers in early summer that attract bees and butterflies. Later in the summer, pollinated blooms turn to persistent, showy berry clusters, which contrasts well with yellowy autumn foliage. Berries persist after leaves have fallen, providing food for a number of birds and small mammal species, and adding multi-season interest. American beautyberry differs from other non-native beautyberries by the large size of its leaves, and by the tightness of its berry clusters around the shrub's branches -- non-native beautyberries instead have smaller leaves and dangling clusters of berries.

American beautyberry prefers full sun or partial shade and can be easily grown in a variety of dry to moist, well-drained soils. For the best visual effects and berry production, Callicarpa americana can be planted in masses and screens, and it works very well as a naturalized understory plant or alongside bodies of water for colorful accent. Easily spotted even in forest understories by its namesake vivid berries, Callicarpa americana is a great addition to the landscape for both fall and winter, and its stand-out look in the snow is simply breathtaking.