Callicarpa americana                                                       Photo Bill Chitty ©

American beautyberry is native shrub common to partially shaded, well-drained woodlands and hammocks. It grows to 6-8 feet tall in a loose group of outward spreading branches. The leaves are large, and feel coarse to the touch.

Tiny lilac flowers appear in spring, held in clusters where the leaf joins the stem. By fall the flowers turn into brilliant purple fruits. These berries are packed tightly into clusters along the stem and each cluster completely encircles the stem. The berries stay on the bush well into the fall, and are eaten by a variety of birds.

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