Callicarpa americana ( American Beautyberry ) is a small edible shrub native to the United States, Mexico, Bermuda and Cuba. Though edible, the American Beautyberry is mainly grown for its attractive purple berries. The plant is also used as an insect repellent, to attract birds and in making pies; jam; and jelly. It has also been used in folklore medicine to treat malaria and fevers.
From late summer bright purple berries grow on branches in clusters. They are attractive to birds and a wide range of native animals. For humans, the berries are sweet but can cause stomach cramps if too many are eaten raw. The leaves of Callicarpa americana are often crushed and then applied to the skin to repel biting insects.
American Beautyberry plants grow best in sub-tropical and tropical climates but can tolerate some frost. It grows wide in the southern states of the United States.
Check out our page on Bodineri Beautyberry for a similar variety that is better suited to colder climates.
Growth
Callicarpa americana is a fast-growing perennial that grows to around 180 cm (6 feet). Plants prefer loamy soils and full sun though will cope with some shade. In native conditions, the plant grows best in warmer climates and will produce more fruit when grown in multiples. The leaves are elliptical to ovate with saw toothed margins and turn yellow during late autumn. Flowers are white and though less showy bring plenty of bees into the garden.
American Beautyberry plants are easy to start from seed during warmer seasons but will require protection from winters that drop below 5°C / 40°F.
Germination rates improve when seeds are kept at temperatures around 18°C/65°F. Young seedlings should be kept in pots until after their first full winter.
Prune during late winter and early spring to encourage dense regrowth.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 30°C / 40 to 85°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining sandy/loamy soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.8 metres (6 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1.5 metres (5 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light – Medium
POLLINATION:
Birds.
MATURITY:
1-2 years
GERMINATION RATES:
65-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks after sowing.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy-Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 550
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT CALLICARPA AMERICANA (American Beautyberry)
Native tribes of North America use the leaves and roots to treat malaria.
A folk remedy suggests crushing the leaves of the plant and rubbing the juices on livestock will help keep biting insects away. Others say that the juice is comparable to DEET at repelling mosquitoes.
Animals that eat the berries include armadillos, raccoons, possums, squirrels, foxes, and some rodents.
