Operation
NICE! plant of the season
Fall 2006
Shrub: American
Beauty-Berry (Callicarpa americana)
Photo: by Cathy Saucier
Description: American Beauty-Berry is an
interesting and beautiful ornamental shrub, suitable for a shade or sun
garden. The most striking feature of this shrub is its
clusters of berries, which turn purple in the fall.
White-berried varieties are also available. American Beauty-Berry is a
perennial shrub that usually grows to be 6 feet tall. Some specimens
can reach 9 ft or more. During the winter, the plants will go
dormant. In mid-spring, the light green leaves emerge from the bare
branches of the shrubs that have over-wintered. The large
leaves have serrated edges. By mid-May and continuing to
July, clusters of small white to light-pink flowers bloom on the plant.
Bloom/berry period: Blooms:
May to July. Berries: September through the winter,
if not eaten by birds.
Planting sites: Plant in full, dappled or
partial shade or sun. This plant likes well-drained soil and
will grow best in soil that has been amended with organic matter like
compost. Allow at least 6-8 feet between plants.
After planting, water well and mulch.
Watering Instructions: American Beauty-Berry
should be watered regularly until established. After it is
established, Beauty-Berry needs supplemental watering during a drought.
Comments: This shrub’s berries are
eaten by a variety of birds. During the fall, the leaves will
turn yellow, then brown and drop to the ground. If the birds
don’t eat all of the berries before this happens, the
Beauty-Berry will have gently arching sprays of bright purple berries
that are extremely attractive. Beauty-Berry sprays, with or
without leaves, are especially nice in floral arrangements for the
Thanksgiving table. Consider using this shrub in areas where
you might plant other deciduous shrubs.
Look for the NICE! Plant of the Season signs and information sheets on
your next visit to a participating
North Texas nursery. Thank
you for using native plants in your landscapes.
Written by: Dr. Rebecca Dickstein, Professor of Biology, University of
North Texas.
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Last noted update by
Lon: September 24, 2007.