Description
Callicarpa americana, commonly called the American beautyberry, is an open-habitat, native shrub of the Southern US. In New England, they produce large clusters of purple berries in mid autumn and are a favorite among wild bird species including cardinals, mockingbirds, finches, woodpeckers and more. Beautyberry is commonly planted in landscape designs to attract wildlife because of the food source the berries provide and the cover animals get from the shrub itself. This plant is considered good for ornamental uses due to its requirement for little maintenance.
Uses
The raw berries, while palatably sweet, are suitable for human consumption only in small amounts, because they are astringent. Some people have reported mild stomach cramps after consumption. The berries are also used in jellies and wine. The roots are used to make herbal tea. As a folk remedy it has been claimed that “fresh, crushed leaves of American beautyberry, Callicarpa americana … helped keep biting insects away from animals such as horses and mules”. A chemical compound isolated from the plant, callicarpenal, was effective as a mosquito repellent in a laboratory experiment using a simulated skin model.
Distribution
The native range of C. americana extends from Maryland to Florida, west to Texas and Arkansas.