American Beautyberry Seeds Callicarpa americana 100 Seeds

Callicarpa americana, commonly known as American beautyberry, is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the family Lamiaceae (mint family) and is renowned for its vibrant clusters of berries and ornamental foliage.

Here are some key features of Callicarpa americana:

Berries: One of the most distinctive features of Callicarpa americana is its clusters of bright purple berries, which typically appear in late summer to early fall. These berries are arranged tightly along the stems and persist well into the winter, adding a pop of color to the landscape. While the berries are not edible for humans, they are highly attractive to birds and other wildlife, making American beautyberry a valuable plant for wildlife gardens.

Foliage: The leaves of Callicarpa americana are opposite, simple, and elliptical in shape, with serrated margins. They are typically medium to dark green in color and provide an attractive backdrop to the colorful berries. In autumn, the foliage may turn shades of yellow or purple before dropping in preparation for winter.

Habitat and Growing Conditions: American beautyberry is commonly found in wooded areas, forest edges, and along stream banks in its native range. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial to full sunlight. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, it thrives in fertile, acidic soils.

Cultural Uses: While the berries of Callicarpa americana are not considered edible for humans, they have been used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes for various purposes, including insect repellent and as a treatment for fevers and rheumatism. However, it's important to note that these uses are not scientifically proven, and ingesting the berries can be toxic.

Landscaping: American beautyberry is valued in landscaping for its ornamental appeal, particularly in naturalized settings, native plant gardens, and wildlife habitats. It can be grown as a specimen plant, in groupings, or as a hedge. Pruning in late winter or early spring can help maintain a tidy and compact growth habit.

Growing Instructions

1. Soak the seed in water for several hours.
2. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet.
3. Put the seeds on the soil.
4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
5. Water the seeds.
6. Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun or part shade.
7. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.