American Beautyberry, Beautyberry, French Mulberry, American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana
Family: Verbenaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Lavender. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal, Vase.
Callicarpa americana is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.8
Where it is found
Rich woods and thickets.
South-eastern N. America - Florida to Texas and north to Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw. Juicy, sweet, fleshy, slightly aromatic. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 2
A decoction of the root bark has been used as a diuretic. The leaves are a cure for dropsy. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of dysentery and stomach aches. A tea made from the roots and berries is used in the treatment of colic. Some native North American Indian tribes used the leaves and roots in sweat baths for the treatment of malaria, rheumatism and fevers.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Cascades, Erosion control, Foundation, Pest tolerant, Massing, Standard. Requires a sunny position or light dappled shade. Prefers a highly fertile well-drained loamy soil. This species is hardy to about -18°c according to one report whilst another says that it is only really hardy in the milder parts of Britain, though some forms should prove to be hardier. Requires cross-pollination for good fruit production. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features: Attracts birds, North American native, Fragrant foliage, Naturalizing, Attracts butterflies, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - sow February in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 18°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10cm long, July/August in a frame. High percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth with a heel taken in early spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Slow
Soil: Medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist