American Beautyberry

American Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana, is a Florida-native deciduous shrub of the southeastern United States. Arching branches carry coarsely toothed, soft green leaves and small pink flower clusters in summer, followed by tight rings of magenta-purple berries that wrap each stem from late summer into fall and feed songbirds after the leaves drop. Plant it in full sun to partial shade in USDA zones 7 through 11, where it reaches 3 to 8 feet tall and about as wide. It tolerates sand, loam, or clay, occasional wet soil, and moderate drought once established, but salt spray tolerance is poor. Sun brings the heaviest berry set. Flowers and fruit form on new growth, so cut old wood back hard in late winter to keep it compact and fruiting heavily. Birds spread the seed, and volunteer seedlings are common. A white-fruited form such as 'Lactea' is sometimes offered.