American Beautyberry for Fall Color, Wildlife

The American beautyberry, Callicarpa americana, is showing its fall berry color in natural areas and yards all over the Southeast. This is one of those taken-for-granted native shrub species that should be used and appreciated more in landscapes.

It is easy to identify at this time of year. Just look around the edge of wooded areas for a shrub with large leaves and purple berry clusters along the stems.

Though beautyberry is planted mostly for its ornamental value, this is an excellent wildlife plant. It is an important food source for birds and small mammals. Over ten species of birds feed on the fruit. These include bobwhite quail, brown thrashers, cardinals, woodpeckers, mockingbirds and purple finches. The fruit is also eaten by the racoon, opossum and gray fox.

The habit of growth of this plant species provides cover for many animals. All parts also contain surprisingly high nutrient levels for browsers. The leaves have been found to contain over 21 percent protein in April, with twigs having over 15 percent. Even in November the bare twigs were found to contain over 4 percent protein.

Beautyberry at a Glance:

Classification: Verbenaceae family – Closely related to Lantana, Verbena and Chaste-tree.

Identification: A shrub that grows to 8 feet in height with deciduous, opposite foliage. The leaves are coarse to the touch. Small, lilac colored blossoms cluster around stems during spring. The flowers are followed by purple fruits during autumn. There is a cultivar that bears white berries and other colors might be available in the future.

Light and Soil Requirement: Broken shade or filtered sunlight is ideal, but it will grow under a wide range of light conditions. Fertile soil is best, but light sands are tolerated, once well established.

Salt tolerance: None, even periodic salt spray could cause damage.

Availability: Though not commonly available, it can be found. Check nurseries and garden centers that specialize in, or offer native plants.

Propagation – Plants can be reproduced by planting the seed or by rooting semi-hardwood cuttings during the summer.

Note: The clusters of berry-like fruit of beautyberry discussed here are not actually berries. Technically, they are drupes. Though not important to most gardeners and others who admire this plant species, such misnomers are not appreciated by some botanist and taxonomists.

Question of the Week: My child just ate two or three fruits from a pokeberry plant. Are they poisonous and if so, what should I do?

Answer: Don’t take any chances. Seek medical attention for the child immediately.

This plant goes by several other names, including poke salad and poke weed. Most parts are poisonous, especially if eaten raw. Though the young leaves and shoots have been eaten in the past as a pot herb, this was done by individuals who knew how to prepare it, boiling and discarding the cooking water.