American Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana

Also known as American Beautyberry or French Mulberry, A stunning native shrub prized for its glossy, electric-purple berry clusters that last long after the leaves have fallen.

A deciduous shrub with long, gently arching branches of yellow-green leaves. Normally, it grows around 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, but grows larger (up to 9 feet tall and wide) in favorable conditions. It is fast growing and prefers moist, partly shaded locations and is tolerant of a variety of soils. 

Flowers and berries form on new wood, so pruning encourages a dense, attractive shape and will maximize berry production. You can prune as often as every year if you wish to keep the shrub smaller. 

Not much troubles this shrub, and if you get caught out without insect repellant, grab a few leaves and rub them on your skin. Historically, leaves were crushed and placed under the harnesses of horses to deter biting insects. Modern studies have shown that the leaves contain compounds that exhibit natural mosquito and tick repellent properties when extracted.

It leafs out later than most shrubs in spring, and the small lavender flowers are a favorite of honeybees. 

The seeds and berries are an important late-season food source for many birds. Foliage is a favorite of White-tailed Deer. Berries are edible but fairly tasteless on their own, some folks make a tasty jelly from them. 

American Beautyberry seeds typically require a period of cold, moist stratification to break physiological dormancy and ensure good germination rates. Either winter sow or sow seeds directly outdoors in late fall (November to December) after a light frost. How: Lightly rake the soil and scatter the seeds, covering them with a very thin layer (1/8 inch) of soil or mulch. The winter weather will naturally provide the necessary cold period. Seeds will germinate the following spring. You can also use artifical stratification. 60 to 90 days before you plan to sow in the spring mix the seeds with a small amount of moist (not soggy) media (sand, peat moss, or vermiculite). Place the mixture in a labeled, sealed plastic bag or container. Store in your refrigerator. Sow immediately after the cold period, either in individual containers or outdoors in spring. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location (if indoors). Germination can be variable, occurring over several weeks.