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Lamiaceae
American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana
Hidden beauty.
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Genus
- Callicarpa
- Native to
- Southeastern United States, Mexico, Caribbean
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- deciduous shrub
- Height
- 3-8 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Rich, moist, well-drained soil
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 6-10
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The vivid magenta-purple berry clusters are so intensely colored they look almost artificial, wrapping tightly around each stem.
- Research has shown that crushed beautyberry leaves are an effective natural mosquito and tick repellent.
- The berries are technically edible and can be made into jelly, wine, and preserves, though they are not tasty raw.
- Over 40 species of birds eat the berries, including mockingbirds, robins, cardinals, and catbirds.
- American beautyberry was once classified in the verbena family but has been reclassified into the mint family Lamiaceae.
Color meanings
0
hidden beauty
1
surprise
2
fascination