Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry)

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

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.

Print Version: Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry)

Callicarpa americana, American Beautyberry Viburnum species - Viburnums, Nandina domestica - Heavenly Bamboo, Lonicera maackii - Bush Honeysuckle, Ampelopsis brevipedunculata - Porcelain-Berry, USDA Zones 6-10, Use in container or rain gardens or en masse in shrub borders or naturalized landscapes, 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, Sun, Partial Shade, Well-drained, fertile, Attracts bees and butterflies to the flowers and deer, small mammals, and over 40 species of songbirds to the fruit, Tolerates clay soil, dry/rocky sites, and salt; no serious pests or diseases; deer occasionally severely damage, Cymes produce magenta to purple drupes (fleshy fruits with a hard stone) autumn through March, Tiny lavender cymes (flower clusters) around stem, Toothed, coarse-textured, green leaves that may reach 8 inches in length, Fast-growing, deciduous shrub with slightly vaseshaped, open habit; branches facing outward, Lavender-pink, Autumn Shrub

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