American beauty-berry (Callicarpa americana, Sp. Pl.: 111 (1753))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 111 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Callicarpa

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: C. & SE. U.S.A., Bermuda to Cuba

Description

The American beauty-berry, known scientifically as Callicarpa americana, is a fascinating plant that has garnered much admiration for its striking appearance and ecological importance. Originally described by the botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, Species Plantarum (1753), this species is a testament to the rich biodiversity found in various regions of North America and the Caribbean.

This deciduous shrub is a proud member of the Lamiaceae family, celebrated for its vibrant, clustered berries that undergo an enchanting transformation in color. During the blooming period, the plant exhibits pink to bluish flowers, which later give way to showy, purple fruits that magnetize birds and fauna, aiding in seed dispersion and plant propagation.

In its natural habitat, Callicarpa americana prominently populates the southeastern and central parts of the United States, extending its reach to Bermuda and Cuba. Characteristic of a lover of warmth and humidity, it thrives in a range of environments from dense woodlands and thickets to the edges of swampy areas. The plant’s versatile adaptivity not only enhances the ecological diversity of these regions but also provides critical nourishment and shelter to various wildlife.

The American beauty-berry is not just visually captivating, but it also holds a place in traditional uses. Native Americans and early settlers utilized the berries and foliage for their various medicinal properties, as well as employing the leaves in natural insect repellent concoctions.

Whether admired in wild landscapes or cultivated in gardens, Callicarpa americana remains an exemplary species celebrated for its lush beauty and significance in the ecological tapestry of its native regions. From its botanical heritage described by Linnaeus to its contemporary use in natural landscaping, the American beauty-berry continues to enchant and contribute to the natural world in myriad ways.

Common Names

Eng: american beauty-berry, american beautyberry, french-mulberry, beauty-berry, turkey berry
En: American beauty-berry, Beauty-berry, French-mulberry, American beautyberry, Turkey berry
Ar: جميلة الثمر الأمريكية
Fr: Callicarpe d’Amérique
De: Amerikanische Schönfrucht

Synonyms

• Callicarpa serrata (Moench)
• Burchardia callicarpa (Crantz)
• Callicarpa viburnifolia (Salisb.)
• Callicarpa americana var. purpurea (F.J.Müll.)
• Burchardia americana ((L.) Duhamel)
• Callicarpa americana f. lactea ((F.J.Müll.) Rehder)
• Johnsonia americana ((L.) Mill.)
• Callicarpa americana var. alba (Rehder)
• Callicarpa americana var. lactea (F.J.Müll.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Bermuda (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Oct 10, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 16, 2021 by Lucile Hubas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2021 by Anne Gleize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2022 by Eva Sanjuán (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 17, 2021 by j (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2019 by Isabelle Fresson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2021 by J mcc (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2019 by Sabine Str. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Nicolas Vandecandelaère (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2020 by Paul Müller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2021 by Cindy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2020 by Justin s (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2021 by Kristof Melotte (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Наталья Бутковская (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2021 by Jay Noon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2022 by kaye wood (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2020 by Alanna James (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 26, 2017 by Rodilard Raminagrobis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2021 by Es _H (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2015 by EOL − Lynn Michael (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Nicole Sarah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2021 by Adam Covey (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5341129)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:319128-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Callicarpa americana L.)

Specifications

Growth