Callicarpa americana - American Beautyberry
The ultimate low-maintenance bird magnet with an electric, late-season color display.
3-8' × 3-6' | Pale pink blooms, mid-s
ummer; vibrant magenta berries, fall | Loose woodland shrub with an open, arching habit | Full sun to part shade, dry to moist, well-drained soils | Exceptional late-season bird forage and ornamental value
Native to the pine flatwoods, thickets, and woodland margins of the Southeast US, Callicarpa americana is an autumn architectural standout. It thrives in loose, organically rich, well-drained soils and is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established. While it naturally grows in the dappled shade of the forest edge, planting it in full sun will result in a denser shrub with a much heavier fruit set.
Inconspicuous, pale pinkish-white flower clusters emerge along the stems in mid-summer, providing a reliable nectar source for native bees and butterflies. The true show begins in late summer and early autumn when these flowers give way to dense, metallic-magenta-to-purple berry clusters that wrap tightly around the arching stems. Broad, light green, fuzzy leaves turn a pale, buttery yellow in the fall before dropping, often leaving the electric purple berries suspended on bare stems well into winter. Features a loose, informal branch structure that provides open, weeping visual interest in the winter landscape.
American Beautyberry makes a great naturalized border, woodland transition shrub, or focal point specimen thanks to its fast growth, rugged drought tolerance, and unparalleled fall fruit display that draws in massive flocks of mockingbirds, catbirds, and robins. Includes unique variations like var. lactea (which produces striking, snow-white berries) and 'Welch's Pink' (soft pastel pink berries).
Larval Host for:
Rustic Sphinx Moth Manduca rustica
Snowberry Clearwing Hemaris diffinis
Various Leafroller Moths Family Tortricidae
Various Geometrid Moths Family Geometridae
More plant information: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/callicarpa-americana/
Specifications
| Pot Size | #1, #3 |
| Variety | 'Alba', 'Pearl Glam', Spp. |
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