Callicarpa americana
The American Beautyberry is a true showstopper in the native landscape, best known for its clusters of electric-purple berries that wrap around the stem in late summer and fall. A member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, this woody shrub is native to the pinelands of Florida, as well as the woodlands and rich thickets throughout the Southeastern United States.
It is a wildlife powerhouse; the berries provide a crucial high-energy food source for mockingbirds, cardinals, and other native birds. For us, those same berries can be harvested to make exceptional jellies, syrups, and even wine. As a functional bonus, the crushed leaves contain natural compounds proven to act as a highly effective mosquito repellent. Also known as the French Mulberry, this resilient shrub is organically grown and ready to add both beauty and utility to your garden.
This plant is what’s known as a deciduous shrub.
Deciduous plants naturally shed their leaves in the fall and enter a dormant state for the winter. This is a critical survival strategy that allows the plant to conserve energy and rest its systems during the colder months. While the leaves fall away, the stems and root system remain alive and vital, waiting for the signal to wake up.
Contrary to some in the plant industry, we continue to sell our deciduous plants even when dormant in the winter because that is the best time to transplant. So yes, until spring emergence, you will be buying what looks like a stick in a pot. Rest assured, every plant's root system is thoroughly inspected before shipping.
| Days to germination |
30 days from seed or cuttings |
| Days to maturity |
6 months |
| Life cycle |
Perennial/Deciduous in North |
| Plant time |
Fall or Spring for seeds or cuttings |
| Transplant |
Year-round |
| Sun |
full sun, part shade, shade |
| Soil moisture |
usually moist to somewhat dry |
| Optimum soil P.H |
adaptable |
| Size |
4-8' tall 3-6' wide |
