American Beautyberry: A Florida Native Shrub

Callicarpa americana, often known by its common name, American beautyberry, is a perennial shrub native to the United States. This fast-growing plant produces a beautiful display of magenta berries during the fall. Find out more about this striking shrub and how to add it to your own Florida backyard landscape!

American Beautyberry Overview

This common shrub can be found growing naturally in woodlands and meadows throughout Florida. It is most distinctive during late summer and fall, when the bright magenta berries put on a glorious display.

Its gorgeous display of berries is what gives this plant its common name. Its scientific name means the same thing, coming from the Greek for beautiful fruit.

Is American Beautyberry Invasive?

An invasive plant, as defined by the Forest Service, is one that is both non-native to the ecosystem in question and likely to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or human health. A native plant is, by definition, not invasive.

Because American beautyberry is native to the southeastern United States, it is not considered invasive. However, there are other beautyberry plants that do have the potential to become invasive, so check you have the right variety before using it in your native landscape.

Native Habitat and Range

American beautyberry is native to the southeastern United States as well as the Caribbean and northern Mexico. This means it is native to Florida as well as Texas, Oklahoma, and states to the east all the way to Maryland.

This shrub, which is part of the mint family, naturally grows in woodlands and thickets, at the edges of ponds, swamps and streams, and in meadowland.

American Beautyberry Uses

This deciduous shrub is a beautiful plant to use in landscaping. A Florida native, it can be an excellent replacement for exotic shrubs.

It's also a valuable food source for native wildlife, including white-tailed deer as well as birds and butterflies. As well as being a great choice for a butterfly garden, this plant has several traditional medicinal uses. The crushed leaves can even be used as a mosquito repellant.

Landscaping Uses for American Beautyberry

This fast-growing understory plant is a great option for planting under shade trees, where its lush green leaves will add texture and variety to your landscape. During fall, dense clusters of berries in a bright magenta color - or sometimes in white - will provide a stunning display.

As an ornamental shrub, American beautyberry works well in mass plantings as well as in borders. It is suitable for container planting and, with its vibrant display of berries, works well as a specimen plant.

Does American Beautyberry Attract Butterflies?

American beautyberry attracts butterflies with its bright colors. Its small flowers are a nectar source for butterflies and bees. This sprawling shrub is a magnet for birds: its berries are a fall and winter food source for over forty bird species.

Is American beautyberry edible for humans?

The berries of this native shrub are indeed edible - although most experts say they don't taste that great raw. However, they can be made into a tasty jelly.

The leaves are likewise edible, although they don't taste great either. They can be crushed and used as a mosquito repellent.

How to Grow American Beautyberry

American beautyberry grows in full sun or part shade. Flower and berry production is boosted when planted in full sun. Well-drained soil is best. Water frequently when first planted; once established, this shrub needs little water. Pruning in late winter encourages compact growth

If you'd like help using native plants in your Florida landscape, don't hesitate to get in touch with the experts at LawnMore Gainesville.

‍