American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana is a woody, deciduous, perennial shrub that produces showy purple fruits in the fall. It is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family and is native to the central/southeastern United States.
Growing conditions: The shrub prefers full sun and is intolerant of deep shade. It will grow in all types of soil provided there is good drainage. It can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. It is recommended that old canes be removed for rejuvenation of the shrub because the flowers and fruits appear on new shoots.
Size at maturity: 5’-7’ bush
Uses: Native Indians had many uses for the Beautyberry inculding a decoction of the root bark as a diuretic; the leaves for dropsy; a tea from the roots for dysentery and stomach aches; a tea made from the roots and berries for colic; and the leaves and roots in sweat baths for the treatment of malaria, rheumatism and fevers. A study published 6 Feb 2007 Journal of Natural Products suggests that C. americana has anti-cancer potential. Apparently, the berries make a very good jelly. The leaves have a compound in them known to repel mosquitoes and other biting insects.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
Callicarpa americana is a woody, deciduous, perennial shrub that produces showy purple fruits in the fall. It is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family and is native to the central/southeastern United States.
Growing conditions: The shrub prefers full sun and is intolerant of deep shade. It will grow in all types of soil provided there is good drainage. It can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. It is recommended that old canes be removed for rejuvenation of the shrub because the flowers and fruits appear on new shoots.
Size at maturity: 5’-7’ bush
Uses: Native Indians had many uses for the Beautyberry inculding a decoction of the root bark as a diuretic; the leaves for dropsy; a tea from the roots for dysentery and stomach aches; a tea made from the roots and berries for colic; and the leaves and roots in sweat baths for the treatment of malaria, rheumatism and fevers. A study published 6 Feb 2007 Journal of Natural Products suggests that C. americana has anti-cancer potential. Apparently, the berries make a very good jelly. The leaves have a compound in them known to repel mosquitoes and other biting insects.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
Callicarpa americana is a woody, deciduous, perennial shrub that produces showy purple fruits in the fall. It is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family and is native to the central/southeastern United States.
Growing conditions: The shrub prefers full sun and is intolerant of deep shade. It will grow in all types of soil provided there is good drainage. It can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. It is recommended that old canes be removed for rejuvenation of the shrub because the flowers and fruits appear on new shoots.
Size at maturity: 5’-7’ bush
Uses: Native Indians had many uses for the Beautyberry inculding a decoction of the root bark as a diuretic; the leaves for dropsy; a tea from the roots for dysentery and stomach aches; a tea made from the roots and berries for colic; and the leaves and roots in sweat baths for the treatment of malaria, rheumatism and fevers. A study published 6 Feb 2007 Journal of Natural Products suggests that C. americana has anti-cancer potential. Apparently, the berries make a very good jelly. The leaves have a compound in them known to repel mosquitoes and other biting insects.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10