SCIENTIFIC NAME: Callicarpa americana

COMMON NAME: American beautyberry, French mulberry

FLOWERS: Light lavender-pink flowers in late spring with purple fruit later in the year.

FRUIT: Fist sized cluster of purple fruit that are very attractive. Late summer - fall.

(Photo from Benny Simpson, TAES-Dallas.)

LEAVES: Opposite with coarse serrations starting 1/4 of the way up the leaf. Pubescent under leaves and young twigs. Leaves have a velvety feel and a distinct odor. Up to 4" long and 2" wide.

GROWTH HABIT: Grows 5' to 8' tall and wide.

OTHER: Hardy from zone 7 to 10. Native to the southeast on high/dry sites. There are grey lenticels on the twigs. Can be used is mass plantings in sun or part shade. The purple fruit is a good wildlife attractor. A member of the Verbenaceae family.