A native shrub with distinctive vibrant purple-magenta berries in autumn clusters. Critical wildlife food source.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Callicarpa americana, commonly called the American beautyberry, is an open-habitat, native shrub of the Southern United States which is often grown as an ornamental in gardens and yards. American beautyberries produce large clusters of purple berries, which birds and deer eat, thus distributing the seeds.
Source: Wikipedia — Callicarpa americana Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Shrub with opposite leaves and clusters of intensely colored magenta berries.
Similar species. Other beautyberry species (different geographic distribution).
Voice. N/A
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Native shrub with brilliant magenta berries in fall. Critical wildlife food.
§ Range
Southeastern US
§ Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges
§ Threats
Habitat loss.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the american beautyberry is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Plant native beautyberry. Support wildlife habitat.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Callicarpa americana
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Callicarpa americana
- iNaturalist · taxon 52828
- IUCN Red List — search for Callicarpa americana
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Callicarpa americana
§ Sources cited
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- USDA Plants Database
