Beauty berry (Callicarpa americana)
The aptly named Beauty berry, with its glorious deep purple metallic hued fruit, has many other names as well: French mulberry, sourbush, bunchberry and Wild Goose berry. In the spring it has small, fluffy flowers that mature into clusters of berries. Their brilliant color contrasts vividly with the green leaves, then the brown leaves, then twigs and snow. The stems hold the berries for a long time, making cuttings an excellent choice in flower arrangements.
The Beauty berry is a native, fast-growing shrub that can reach five to eight feet tall and almost as wide with drooping branches. In the woods, it grows in moist areas under pine canopies. Very tolerant of fire, not at all tolerant of deep shade, it thrives in well-drained clay-based or rich organic soil. Grouping several plants together promotes blooming. It works well in ornamental gardens, borders or as a hedge in larger landscaped areas.
The berries have a high moisture content, making it an important food source for more than forty species of song birds. Armadillos, foxes, possums, raccoons, squirrels and deer also eat them. Apparently, chickens like the berries too and a nice berry snack perks them up if they are feeling poorly. Rub crushed leaves on your skin to repel biting insects. You can also make Beauty Berry Jelly. It is a lovely pink color and has a unique, delicious flavor. The plants are readily available at local nurseries and you can buy seeds on Amazon. For more information, click here.
