Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

Native Plant with Stunning Berries and Natural Mosquito Repellent 

Common Names: Beautyberry, American Beautyberry, French Mulberry, Sourbush, Bunchberry. (In Greek, the genus name Callicarpa means callos, “beauty” and carpos “fruit”)
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Southeastern United States, from Texas to Virginia

Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a striking deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States, known for its vibrant clusters of purple berries that appear in the fall. This plant is valued for both its ornamental appeal and its ability to attract wildlife, as its berries provide food for birds and other animals. The shrub also features attractive, arching branches and bright green leaves, with small pink to lavender flowers blooming in late spring and summer. Beautyberry is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of garden settings, from native and wildlife-friendly landscapes to ornamental borders.

Although all parts of the Beautyberry plant are useful, from the berries to roots, the flowering shrub is most commonly cultivated for it's leaves, at least here in Florida, as a mosquito repellent. Beautyberry plants grow wild alongside shady oak hammock trails and in the summer, we've been known to harvest during our hike and carry it along with us to keep the mosquitoes at bay. 

Distinctive Features, Uses, and Ecological Value

Fruits: Beautyberry produces dense clusters of bright purple berries in the fall, which remain on the plant for several months. The berries are mildly astringent and are more commonly used in jellies or as food for wildlife. Birds, particularly mockingbirds and cardinals, love the berries, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Foliage: The plant has large, oval, bright green leaves that provide a lush, tropical appearance. The leaves turn yellow in fall before dropping, adding seasonal interest.
Growth Habit: Beautyberry is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub that typically grows 3-6 feet tall and wide. Its arching branches and dense growth make it a great option for hedges or naturalized borders.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

While Beautyberry is primarily known for its ornamental and wildlife value, the berries have been used historically to make jellies and wines. The leaves have also been used in traditional folk remedies as a natural insect repellent. The berries are high in antioxidants, but they are not typically eaten raw due to their astringent flavor.

Grow your own natural mosquito repellent! American Beautyberry is a wonderful, large fast-growing under story shrub with a naturally loose and graceful arching form. In the fall and early winter, the branches are laden with magenta purple (sometimes white) berry clusters that look spectacular as the leaves drop in autumn.