American beautyberry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids American beautyberry |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Callicarpa
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| Species: |
americana
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The American beautyberry (scientific name: Callicarpa americana) is a native shrub that grows in open areas across the Southern United States. It's a popular plant for gardens and yards because of its striking look. This shrub produces many clusters of bright purple berries. Birds and deer love to eat these berries, which helps spread the plant's seeds.
What it's used for
The berries of the American beautyberry are not usually eaten by people. If you eat too many, they can make your stomach feel upset. However, these berries can be used to make tasty jellies and even wine. Some people also use the roots to make herbal tea.
Interestingly, the leaves of the American beautyberry have been used as a natural way to keep biting insects away. Scientists have even found a special chemical in the plant called callicarpenal. In lab tests, this chemical worked well as a mosquito repellent.
The berries ripen in the fall, usually from September to October. Many different wild birds, like cardinals, mockingbirds, finches, and woodpeckers, enjoy eating them. Because the berries provide food and the shrub offers shelter, American beautyberry is often planted to attract wildlife to gardens.
Where it grows
The American beautyberry naturally grows in a wide area. You can find it from Maryland down to Florida, and west to Texas and Arkansas. It also grows in Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Cuba.
About the plant
Sometimes, you might see American beautyberry plants with white berries instead of purple ones. These are known as Callicarpa americana var. lactea.
You can grow new beautyberry plants in a few ways. One way is to take cuttings from an existing plant. Another way is to plant the fully ripened (purple) seeds in pots or trays. You can also scatter the seeds on bare ground and gently press them into the soil.
See also
In Spanish: Callicarpa americana para niños
