Flora of the Southeastern United States

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Height: 4-8 ft.

plant sale text: American beautyberry is a fountain-shaped shrub native to coastal NC. This adaptable species is tolerant of various soils, as long as soil does not dry out. Its gracefully arching stems are showy throughout the fall, due to clusters of bright purple berries. It works well as an understory shrub. To keep American beautyberry more compact you can prune its stems back close to ground level in March but wait until its third year so it is established.

bloom table text: While this common native shrub appears somewhat unremarkable through most of the year, it creates a striking display in September. This is when the pale pink midsummer flowers give way to whorls of violet berries that brighten the fall landscape and attract the attention of Bluebirds, Mockingbirds, Robins and Thrushes. It is a favorite of the Black-throated Blue Warbler in fall migration. Beautyberry is quite easy to cultivate, growing vigorously in almost any soil and in all but the deepest shade. To keep American beautyberry more compact you can prune its stems back close to ground level in March but wait until its third year so it is established.

description:

stems:

leaves:

inflorescence:

flowers:

fruits:

comments:

cultural notes:

germination code: 2 (3 months)

native range: se. U.S. to Mexico & West Indies