We first met the American Beautyberry plant in early September of 2019 while staying at a lovely AirBnB Bed and Breakfast in Albemarle and Nelson County, Virginia. The name of the farm is Galleywinter Farm and it’s a working horse farm and healing sanctuary on 21 acres. We were up in Virginia to visit one of our favorite nurseries, Edible Landscaping in Afton, Virginia during one of their public events.

A lovely American beautyberry bush was planted near the front door of Galleywinter Farm, and immediately enchanted us with its neon purple berries. We were surprised to learn that the beauty berry is a native American plant, because we had never heard of it before.

Scientifically known as Callicarpa americana, is a captivating native shrub known for its striking clusters of vibrant purple berries. This plant not only adds a splash of color to gardens and landscapes but also offers various uses and benefits. So we’re now growing and enjoying the beauty and utility of this plant.

American Beautyberry Name, Zones and Highlights

• Scientific Name: Callicarpa americana
• Common Names:
  • American Beautyberry
  • French Mulberry
  • Beautybush
• Hardiness Zones: Zones 6-10
• US States: Found naturally in the southeastern United States, from Maryland to Florida and west to Texas and Arkansas.
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Bloom Time: June to July, with berry clusters maturing in late summer to early fall.
• Fruit: August-November, (depending on hardiness zone)
• Fragrance: No
• Edible parts: The berries are edible, though they have a somewhat tart taste. They can be used to make jellies and jams. Additionally, the leaves are also edible and have been traditionally consumed in various preparations.
• Medicinal uses or benefits: Traditionally, the roots and leaves of the American Beautyberry Bush have been used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. The leaves were often made into a tea to treat ailments like stomachaches and fevers. Recent studies have also shown that compounds in the plant may act as a natural insect repellent.

American Beautyberry Bush, Callicarpa americana, is a captivating shrub with clusters of neon purple berries that add enchanting color to fall landscapes.

Taxonomic Classification for Callicarpa americana:

• Kingdom: Plantae
  • Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
    • Superdivision: Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
      • Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
        • Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
          • Subclass: Asteridae
            • Order: Lamiales
              • Family: Verbenaceae (Verbena family)
                • Genus:Callicarpa L. (beautyberry)
                  • Species: Callicarpa americana L. (American beautyberry)

Native Origin of the American Beautyberry Bush

The American Beautyberry Bush is native to the southeastern United States. Its natural habitat spans from Maryland to Florida and west to Texas and Arkansas. Historically, this plant has thrived in the understory of pine forests and in open, wooded areas. Its vibrant berry clusters have made it a recognizable and cherished plant among Native American tribes and early settlers.

While the Beautyberry is native to the southeastern United States, the genus Callicarpa contains over 140 species. Variations of the Callicarpa species are native to various parts of Asia, Central America, South America, and the southeastern U.S.

Foreign Varieties of Beautyberry

Several foreign varieties of the beautyberry (Callicarpa) are grown in the U.S., primarily for ornamental purposes due to their vibrant berry clusters and attractive foliage. Some of the non-native beautyberries that have gained popularity in American gardens include:

1. Callicarpa japonica (Japanese Beautyberry): Native to Japan, this species is similar in appearance to the American Beautyberry but tends to be slightly smaller in size. Its berries can range from pale lilac to deep purple.
2. Callicarpa dichotoma (Purple Beautyberry): Native to East Asia (China, Korea, and Japan), this species is known for its arching branches and smaller, more profuse clusters of deep purple berries. Several cultivars of this species, such as ‘Early Amethyst‘, are popular in American gardens.
3. Callicarpa bodinieri (Bodinier’s Beautyberry): Native to China, this species has gained attention for its metallic purple berries. The cultivar ‘Profusion’ is particularly popular for its abundant fruiting.
4. Callicarpa formosana (Formosan Beautyberry): Native to Taiwan, this species is less common but can still be found in some specialty nurseries.

While these foreign varieties are grown in the U.S., it’s essential for gardeners to ensure that any non-native plants they introduce do not become invasive in their local ecosystems. Fortunately, the beautyberries, both native and non-native, are generally not considered invasive and are primarily grown for their ornamental value. However, as with any plant, it’s always a good practice to monitor its growth and spread in the garden.

American Beautyberry Growing Information

• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil but is adaptable to various soil types.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Moderate watering needs; can tolerate short periods of drought.
• Pruning: Best pruned in late winter to encourage new growth and berry production.
• Size: Typically grows to a height of 3-5 feet with a similar spread.
• Growth Rate: Moderately fast-growing.
• Pests: Generally pest-resistant but check for aphids and whiteflies.
• Uses: Ornamental; traditional medicinal; hedge; mosquito; repellent^[1]https://agresearchmag.ars.usda.gov/2006/feb/mosquito
• Wildlife: While the plant is deer-resistant, its berries are attractive to various wildlife, including birds and deer.

This vibrant shrub, with its clusters of eye-catching berries, is not only a visual delight but also a plant steeped in history and utility. Let’s explore!

Uses and Benefits of the American Beautyberry Bush

The American Beautyberry Bush, Callicarpa americana, has been traditionally valued not just for its ornamental appeal but also for its medicinal properties and uses. Native American tribes have long recognized the potential benefits of this plant and have incorporated it into their traditional medicine practices.

Edible Parts of the Beautyberry

• Berries: The vibrant purple berries are edible, however, are somewhat bland in taste. They have been traditionally used to make jellies and jams for the delightful color they imbue. While not a primary food source, they can been consumed, however always test small amounts of any wild edible (or edible landscape plant) with caution to be sure it’s compatible with your system..
• Leaves: The leaves of the American Beautyberry Bush are also edible. Native American tribes have been known to consume them in various preparations, often as a form of herbal tea.

Beautyberry Ethnomedicinal Uses

Tea and Extract From Leaves:

The leaves of the American Beautyberry Bush have been traditionally brewed into a tea by Native American tribes. This tea was consumed to treat ailments like stomach aches, fevers, and other common illnesses.^[2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2760847/

Recent scientific studies are validating some of the ethnobotanical uses of the American Beautyberry. One study shows the C. americana to be an effective booster for MRSA resistant antibiotics, with more studies needed and likely underway.^[3]https://news.emory.edu/stories/2020/07/esc_beautyberry_leaf_extract/campus.html

Natural Insect Repellent:

One of the most intriguing recent discoveries about the American Beautyberry Bush is its potential as a natural insect repellent, especially for ticks and mosquitos.^[4]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16028979/

You’ll find more on beauty berry benefits and uses here, and more natural mosquito repellents here.

Where to Buy American Beautyberry

We always prefer to shop our local nurseries first, and if they don’t have what we’re looking for, they can sometimes order it. But if you don’t have one, or they can’t get it for you, here are some retail options for buying the Callicarpa americana.

• Amazon: There are many selling this beauty on Amazon. Just be sure to check the reviews before ordering.
• Nature Hills Nursery: A reputable online nursery that offers a variety of plants, including the American Beautyberry.
• My Perfect Plant Nursery: An online retailer known for its unique plant offerings.
• Fast Growing Trees: An online nursery that specializes in fast-growing plants and trees.

The studies cited, along with traditional usage, highlight the multifaceted benefits of the American Beautyberry Bush. Whether used as a natural remedy or as a repellent, this plant offers a range of uses that extend beyond its visual appeal.