American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

Callicarpa americana is known by the common names American Beautyberry, Beautyberry, French Mulberry, Beautybush. It grows both at the edge of woods and in open areas and may grow 6 to 8 feet high. In Wilkes County and Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center (Jasper County), we found it growing in the open by the side of the road. At our place it grows both at the edge of the woods and under a tree in an open field. It blooms in mid June.

This is a small bush that grows under a pear tree in an open field. It’s about 24 to 30 inches high.

The top of a tall bush growing beside a road in Wilkes County, Georgia. This bush is 6 to 7 feet high.

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Blooms. These are very delicate.

Green berries; at the end of July.

Ripe berries; in early September. The color of the berries is unique.

A closer view of the ripe berries.

The plant wilts quite dramatically during hot, dry weather but recovers.

Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry) is native to the United States; it grows in the south-central and southeastern states.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Callicarpa Americana

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
- Natural and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Callicarpa americana (Beautyberry, French Mulberry, American Beautyberry, Beautybush)
- Missouri Plants: Callicarpa americana

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower – Wildflower Index