American Beautyberry
Common name(s): American Beautyberry
Scientific name: Callicarpa americana
Plant family: LAMIACEAE
Origin: Central and southeastern United States, Bermuda and Cuba.
Description: A woody, deciduous and perennial shrub produces purple fruit in the fall. Grows 3 – 5 feet tall and just as wide. In favorable conditions, it can reach up to 9 feet in height. Long, arching branches and yellow-green fall foliage. Bark light brown on older wood and reddish brown on younger. Bark smooth with raised corky areas. Twigs round to four sided. Leaves in pairs or threes. Flowers are small, pink in dense clusters at the base of the leaves. Fruit about 1/4 inch long and 3/16 inch wide.
Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun to part shade. Grows best in well drained, mixed, leave litter soil. Allow 3 – 6 feet of space with regular pruning. Drought Tolerant. In winter prune as needed.
Wildlife: Sources of food for birds, foxes, opossums, cocoons, squirrels and deer.
Relation to Nehrling Gardens:
Location in Gardens: C14, C15
Additional Information: This is a native Florida plant. Edible Berries. Juice can be used to make jelly. Resistant to pests. This plant is used in the landscape as a focal plant surrounded by other native and tropical plants. Produces pink flowers, great as a pollinator plant for bees, butterflies and insects.
