Phlox Subulata (moss pink) in landscape. Photo © Elaine Mills

Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry)

Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry) flowers in July

Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry) flowers in July

Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry) fruit in September

Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry) fruit in September

Four nutlets are encased within each drupe of Callicarpa americana (American beauty-berry)

Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry) fruit in September with juvenile catbird

Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry) shrub in October

Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry) fruit in October

Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry) fruit in November

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Lavender flower clusters appear on new growth on this shrub from June to August, followed by clusters of fruit in show-stopping magenta in autumn. In the Mid-Atlantic Region, American Beauty-berry is reported to be native only in Virginia’s south and central Coastal Plain. Shrub Flowers, Fall Fruit, and Shrub Height: 3–6 feet Spread: 6–8 feet Bloom Color: Lavender-pink Characteristics Fast-growing, deciduous shrub with slightly vase- shaped, open habit; branches facing outward Toothed, coarse-textured, green leaves that may reach 8 inches in length Tiny lavender cymes (flower clusters) around stem Cymes produce magenta to purple drupes (fleshy fruits with a hard stone) autumn through March Attributes Tolerates clay soil, dry/rocky sites, and salt; no serious pests or diseases; deer occasionally severely damage Ethnobotanic and therapeutic uses Attracts bees and butterflies to the flowers and deer, small mammals, and over 40 species of songbirds to the fruit Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Moist Plants growing in sun or in groups bear more fruit In late winter or early spring (before new growth appears), cut out 1⁄3 of the oldest stems or prune the entire plant to within 6 inches of the ground Use in container or rain gardens or en masse in shrub borders or naturalized landscapes Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–10 Excellent Replacement for Ampelopsis brevipedunculata - Porcelain-Berry Lonicera maackii - Bush Honeysuckle Nandina domestica - Heavenly Bamboo Viburnum species - Viburnums developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Mary Free (top left) and Elaine Mills, Glencarlyn Garden and National Garden, US Botanic Garden

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry)

Lavender flower clusters appear on new growth on this shrub from June to August, followed by clusters of fruit in show-stopping magenta in autumn. In the Mid-Atlantic Region, American Beauty-berry is reported to be native only in Virginia’s south and central Coastal Plain.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants:
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets

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