American BeautyberryCallicarpa AmericanaThe iridescent purple fruit of the American beautyberry (sometimes spelled beauty berry), Callicarpa amaracana is an important dietary supplement for many species of birds. The quarter inch, round berries surround the stems of the shrub in dense clusters throughout late summer and fall.
The leaves grow up the stems in pairs, one on either side. They are a dull green, noticeably veined on top and slightly hairy on the underside. The top half of the leaf is toothed while the half closest to the petiole has smooth edges. A mature leaf can be 5 or 6 inches long and half as wide. Callicarpa Americana will grow to 10 feet if left to its own devices. Most gardeners prefer to keep it more compact. This is easily accomplished by cutting it back to 1 foot after the last frost date. The result of this yearly pruning is a vase-shaped shrub which will reach a height of 3-6 feet by late summer depending on growing conditions. Without pruning, beautyberry will not only become too tall but it will sprawl wildly. In late spring, buds will form on the stems. These will be quickly followed by pretty pink flowers. The bright berries that this plant is famous for appear in late summer. They persist through the winter.
American beautyberry is native to the American south. It is found in woodlands from Virginia to Arkansas, Florida and Texas. It is tap rooted and, like most natives, will live on natural rainfall once established. It is not picky about soil or exposure. Anything from full sun to shade will be tolerated. Of course, bloom is better and growth more compact in sun. You will never need to propagate Callicarpa Americana as the birds will do it for you. Just look for seedlings any place in the yard as the birds may deposit the seed at some distance from the mother plant.
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American Beauty Roses The American Beauty rose flower (syn. Mme. Ferdinand Jamin) is the most famous of the Hybrid Perpetual roses. There are also white American Beauty climbing roses and a pink Miss All American Beauty rose.
Dahoon Holly
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The coarse leaves are a favorite snack of the White-tailed deer.
The foliage turns yellow as the weather cools before dropping to leave the berries alone on the stems.
