October 1, 2025
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). Native to the southern United States, from Virginia south to Florida, and west to Texas. Please use caution if you are interested in getting this native shrub from a nursery. There sometimes 4 species of Beautyberry sold at your local nursery. The one you want has the scientific name of Callicarpa americana on its tag. That is the one you want.
There is a difference visible in the autumn when these shrubs have berries on them. The native species has its berries tightly clustered at the stem, much like a well clipped French Poodle, while other species’ berries are held away from the stem.
Many birds enjoy the berries and will come to eat them well into winter including but definitely not limited to the American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, and Eastern Towhee.
What a spectacular color these berries are!
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