American beautyberry Callicarpa americana
American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Lamiaceae family, native to Southeastern United States. It grows 1.2–2.4 m (3.9–7.9 ft) tall and 1.2–2.4 m (3.9–7.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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American beautyberry at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2.4 m (3.9–7.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.2–2.4 m (3.9–7.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: berries (astringent raw; used for jelly) |
| Native to | Southeastern United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States |
Is American beautyberry toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Berries are eaten by people and wildlife; toxicity to pets is not documented in ASPCA lists.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with American beautyberry
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about American beautyberry
- How far apart should I plant American beautyberry?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.2–2.4 m (3.9–7.9 ft).
- Does American beautyberry need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does American beautyberry need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is American beautyberry?
- It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does American beautyberry flower?
- From about June for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is American beautyberry poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Berries are eaten by people and wildlife; toxicity to pets is not documented in ASPCA lists.
- What grows well with American beautyberry?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for American beautyberry. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Flowers and fruits on new wood, so hard pruning in late winter is normal; may die back to the ground in zone 6.
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare