Beautyberry Fiesta by Leeco

Photography • Photo Manipulation • posted on Sep 24, 2017

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Description

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa america) also called French Mulberry. A woody deciduous shrub that is 6' tall by 6' wide on average and grows wild from Maryland to Florida and west through Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas. Leaves appear in April, small inconspicuous pink flower clusters in July, and magenta colored berries(drupes) grow in clusters(cymes) at leaf nodes in September. The plants and berries are attractive to a variety of wildlife. Lots of birds dine on the fresh berries and seeds, including over forty songbirds, and even the raisins are consumed. Beautyberries are an important food source for many other birds, such as bobwhite quail, robins, cardinals, catbirds, finches, mockingbirds, thrashers and towhees. Other animals that eat the fruit include armadillos, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, gray foxes, and some rodents. The white tail deer will browse the leaves. All parts of Callicarpa americana were used by the Alabama, Choctaw, Creek, Koasati, Seminole, and other Native American tribes. Roots, leaves, berries, and stems were used as the base for various teas and decoctions. Root and leaf tea was used in sweat baths for rheumatism, fevers, and malaria. Root tea was used for dysentery and stomach aches. The root and berries were used for colic and as a treatment for a wide variety of common ailments. It was also used in ceremonies. The bark from the stems and the roots were used to treat itchy skin. The Beautyberry plant has been a traditional folk remedy for repelling mosquitoes, horseflies, deer-flies, ticks, and other biting insects for over a century. The beaded branches make beautiful dry arrangements. The berries can be used as a dye. Although the berries aren't very desirable to eat off the bush, they do make a very fine jelly. The flavor is mild and pleasant. Thanks to all who have taken the time to comment on one of my postings. The feedback is appreciated. I hope everyone who has clicked on one of them was pleased with having done so. Lee