Callicarpa Americana, Beauty Berry
I have logged easily 3600 miles plus on foot over the last six years, I must have passed the Beauty Berry countless times, ignoring its presence as its spikes of color beg for attention. Tricked again by others who have cast this plant aside discarding it as a weed species. But today I stopped and took this plant in. Distinct in its form and color. Sits proud. Ignore it now and it will wait to capture you with its showy lilac shaped flowers in other months.
Again I will take a trip up the Loxahatchee River, this time I will look for her in the distance looking past the cypress, pine and sabal searching only for Callicarpa Americana. My next plant propagated and enjoyed in my front yard will be the Beauty Berry, I owe her that much for my years of taking her for granted, but nature is not spiteful, she does not remember, she is there to provide to inspire.
Native North American Indian Tribes used the leaves and roots in sweat baths for the treatment of malaria, rheumatism and fevers. Birds tend to like the fruit but its often not their first choice. If you had to the Beauty Berry is edible.
The Beauty Berry likes well drained soil and is very drought tolerant, seems to do best in partial shade. Can be found in zones 6-10.
If you are planning a natural habitat that attracts wildlife the Beauty Berry is a showy addition. Forms a nice bush up to 6 feet tall and wide, suitable for planting under pine trees. Best of all this plant is low maintenance.
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Beautyberry Rocks! One of my favorite natives.
Thanks Ken, have your boots dried out since our last trek?
Is it grown commercially? Where can I get some. My favorite yogurt is beautyberry.
Ken rocks.
Matt, based on what I have seen you grow at Advanced Botanicals over the years I’m sure you could grow a great beauty berry. Its a nice plant that often gets overlooked when restoring native habitat.