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Callicarpa americana
This open-habit shrub is native to the Southern United States, where it is often grown as an ornamental in gardens and yards. American beautyberries produce large clusters of purple berries, which birds and deer eat, thus distributing the seeds. The raw berries are suitable for human consumption only in small amounts, because they are astringent; they are also used in jellies. The roots are used to make herbal tea. It has been claimed that fresh, crushed leaves help keep biting insects away from animals and a plant compound, callicarpenal, has reportedly proved effective in tests as a mosquito repellent. However, when I photograph insects on this bush, the mosquitoes hover around in large numbers so just being near the bush doesn’t repel them!
My yard
Photos taken between June 26 and August 29, 2013 to show different stages of the plant
Spotted on Aug 29, 2013
Submitted on Sep 13, 2013
5 Comments
My pleasure, staccyh!
Great series and nice info. Thanks for sharing!
Good to know, Maria dB, thanks.
Thank you, Suzanne. I think as long as the notes include the span of dates, it is ok to do it this way. If it is unacceptable, a more experienced Ranger will let us know.
Really, really, really like this, Maria dB! Because it shows the whole cycle over time. I've done a couple like this, too, but kind of hesitate because it creates a spotting that spans more than one day ... but I think that's good in some cases!