Japanese beauty-berry (Callicarpa japonica, J.A.Murray, Syst. Nat. ed. 14.: 153 (1784))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: Thunb.

Bibliography: J.A.Murray, Syst. Nat. ed. 14.: 153 (1784)

Year: 1784

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Callicarpa

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: China to Temp. E. Asia

Description

The Japanese beauty-berry, scientifically known as Callicarpa japonica, is a stunning deciduous shrub famed for its ornamental appeal. Originating from China to temperate regions of East Asia, this plant is celebrated for its vibrant, eye-catching clusters of purple berries that adorn its branches in late summer through fall. The berries are not only a visual delight but also serve as a valuable food source for birds, adding to the ecosystem’s biodiversity.

Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, the Japanese beauty-berry is closely related to other aromatic and medicinal plants, though it is primarily appreciated for its decorative qualities. The shrub typically reaches a height of 4 to 6 feet, with gracefully arching branches that bear simple, ovate leaves. In spring and early summer, these leaves are accompanied by small, pinkish-lavender flowers, which, though modest in size, contribute to the plant’s overall aesthetic charm.

The foliage undergoes a subtle transformation in the autumn months, transitioning to a gentle yellow hue. However, it’s the persistent, glossy, violet-hued berries that steal the show at this time of year, creating a striking contrast against the fading leaves and the often gray, late-season landscape.

In gardening and landscaping, Callicarpa japonica is prized for its low maintenance and adaptability. It thrives in a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it prefers a position in full sun to partial shade. This robustness makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add year-round interest and wildlife value to their spaces.

Originally described by the botanist Carl Peter Thunberg and later detailed by J.A. Murray in the 14th edition of Systema Naturae in 1784, the Japanese beauty-berry has long captivated botanists and horticulturists alike. Its inclusion in gardens across the world serves as a testament to its enduring allure and horticultural significance.

Common Names

Eng: japanese beauty-berry, japanese callicarpa
Swe: japanskt glasbär
En: Japanese beauty-berry, Japanese callicarpa
Ar: جميلة الثمر اليابانية
Zh: 日本紫珠
Fi: Mustehelmimarja
Ko: 작살나무
Fa: کالیکارپا
Sv: Japanskt glasbär
Zh-tw: 女兒茶
Zh-hant: 日本紫珠

Synonyms

• Callicarpa japonica f. leucocarpa ((Siebold) Rehder)
• Callicarpa japonica f. albiflos (Konta)
• Callicarpa antaoensis (Hayata)
• Callicarpa caudatifolia (Koidz.)
• Callicarpa murasaki (Siebold)
• Callicarpa japonica var. luxurians (Rehder)
• Callicarpa australis (Koidz.)
• Callicarpa longifolia var. subglabrata (Schauer)
• Callicarpa japonica var. glabra (Nakai)
• Callicarpa japonica f. albibaccata (H.Hara)
• Callicarpa japonica f. parvifolia (Miq.)
• Callicarpa japonica var. kotoensis ((Hayata) Masam.)
• Callicarpa japonica f. angustifolia (Miq.)
• Callicarpa japonica f. latifolia (Miq.)
• Amictonis japonica ((Thunb.) Raf.)
• Callicarpa japonica f. rugosior (Miq.)
• Callicarpa kotoensis (Hayata)
• Callicarpa japonica var. erythrocarpa (Siebold)
• Premna staminea (Maxim.)
• Callicarpa japonica f. kiiruninsularis (Masam.)
• Callicarpa japonica subsp. luxurians ((Rehder) Masam. & Yanagita)
• Callicarpa japonica f. albifructus (H.Hara)
• Callicarpa japonica var. taquetii ((H.Lév.) Nakai)
• Callicarpa japonica f. taquetii ((H.Lév.) Ohwi)
• Callicarpa mimurazakii (Hassk.)
• Callicarpa japonica var. leucocarpa (Siebold)
• Callicarpa taquetii (H.Lév.)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• North Carolina (introduced)

Additional Images

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

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

Fruit

Taken Nov 24, 2022 by Ed O (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2020 by Ken Down (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2019 by Lili Sofia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2020 by Jo Klaps (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Wuppermann Cornela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Wanxia TU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Fred.Drone.Studio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2022 by Salomé Leckler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by capucine stiquel (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 16, 2009 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2009 (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2009 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2009 (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2010 by EOL − Michael Kesl (public)

Taken Nov 2, 2009 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2009 (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2022 by Salomé Leckler (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Jackie Paritte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2022 by B. Sch. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Ghost Weber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by Muhammad IDRIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Miguel A. García (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 23, 2019 by cronopio azul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2019 by cronopio azul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Miguel A. García (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 7, 2010 by EOL − Michael Kesl (public)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5341134)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:927277-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Callicarpa japonica Thunb.)

Specifications

Growth