🍇 Edible Florida Native Plants Series: The American Beautyberry
- Youth Environmental Alliance
- Aug 30
- 4 min read
By, Nicole Castilla, Marine Biologist and Florida Master Naturalist, in partnership with Youth Environmental Alliance
Disclaimer: Always exercise extreme caution when identifying and consuming wild plants. You must be certain of the plant id, which part of the plant is useful and how to prepare it. Misidentification or improper preparation can be fatal. Consult with a qualified expert and use multiple reputable sources to confirm any identification before ingestion. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional guidance. You assume all risk associated with consuming wild plants and the information provider assumes no liability for illness, injury, or any adverse effects. In case of suspected poisoning, call the national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) immediately.
Hey everyone! Ready to dig into the wonderful world of native plants? Check out one of the most strikingly beautiful native plants in Florida, the beautyberry!
The American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), also known as the French mulberry, is a plant native to the southeastern region of the United States. This perennial shrub can grow to a height and width of up to eight feet and can be found in several habitats across Florida.[1] These habitats range from hardwood hammock forests to pinelands all the way to moist areas alongside swamps.[2]
Beautyberries are low-maintenance plants that require little watering, making them a great choice for yards and home landscapes. While not salt-tolerant, beautyberries are highly tolerant to drought. They need sunlight in order to thrive, and although they are adapted to survive in different soil types, beautyberries live best in well-drained soil that is high in organic matter.[3]
Different cultivars of beautyberries exist, and although most beautyberries are bright purple in color, some can be white depending on the cultivar.[4]
🌿“What Benefits do Beautyberries Have for Humans?”
Beautyberries are a non-toxic edible fruiting shrub with a wide variety of benefits for humans, including being used for medicinal purposes, insect repelling properties, cooking, and wine making. Hundreds of years ago, Native Americans used beautyberries as medicine, treating fevers and itchy skin, as well as stomach upsets. They did this by boiling the leaves, stems, and roots from the plant into natural remedies for the illnesses. [5]
Another great benefit beautyberries provide for humans is their ability to repel mosquitoes. The leaves of the beautyberry shrub contain callicarpenal and intermedeol, compounds that deter mosquitoes from the plant.[6] Therefore, this makes them a perfect plant to have in your Florida-friendly lawn since mosquitoes are prevalent in the state.
Although the taste of beautyberries can be pretty unpleasant and bitter when consumed raw, they are used to make jams and jellies because their flavor develops into a more sweet and palatable taste when cooked.[7] Some wines have also been made from beautyberries, although it is not common practice to use them for winemaking.
🐦⬛“Any Benefits for Wildlife?”
Beautyberry plants are beneficial to wildlife because they provide a dwelling place for birds and insects. The vibrant purple berries ripen in the fall and they are a food source for many different species of birds and animals.[8] Small pollinators also enjoy the flowers as a food source too.
🦋 “What about Pollinators?”
Beautyberries are a great source of nectar for pollinators! Pollinating insects, such as bees and butterflies, are drawn to the beautyberry plant due to the rich amount of nectar in their flowers.[9] By attracting pollinators to the plant, the American beautyberry is playing a vital role in keeping the ecosystem balanced and contributing to biodiversity.
🌸 Final thoughts 🌿
Beautyberries can be an excellent addition to your yard as they are native to the sunshine state, serve as natural mosquito repellents, and add beauty to any garden as its name implies. Adding these lovely plants to your yard can attract birds and pollinators, transforming your front or backyard into a biodiverse haven for wildlife.
If you want to learn more about planting natives in your own yard, look no further than the Youth Environmental Alliance! We offer helpful advice, tips and classes.
Youth Environmental Alliance (YEA) — a Florida-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Floridians connect with nature, live sustainably, and discover new opportunities to care for our environment.
Contact us or schedule a class at https://www.youthenvironmentalalliance.com/
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🔗 Want to take a deeper dive? Check out these resources below:
[1] The beautyberry plant can grow up to eight feet in height and width. https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_caam2.pdf
[2] Beautyberry plants can be found in a variety of locations. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=caam2#:~:text=USA:%20AL%20%2C%20AR%20%2C%20FL,coastal%20plains;%20swamp%20edges%2C%20bottomlands
[3] Beautyberries thrive in well-drained soil environments that are high in organic matter. https://www.thespruce.com/beautyberry-shrubs-purple-berries-2132437
[4] Depending on cultivar, beautyberries can exist as either purple or white.
[5] Native Americans used beautyberries for its medicinal properties. https://news.emory.edu/stories/2020/07/esc_beautyberry_leaf_extract/campus.html
[6] Beautyberry plants contain compounds that repel mosquitoes. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/osceolaco/2020/08/27/american-beauty-combats-mosquitoes/
[7] Beautyberries do not taste good raw, but they taste good once cooked. https://naturehills.com/blogs/garden-blog/beautyberry-jelly-beautiful-treat-from-a-beautiful-shrub#:~:text=What%20you%20may%20not%20have,to%20present%20as%20unique%20gifts!
[8] Beautyberries provide a food source for many species of wildlife. https://coastalbg.uga.edu/2023/07/beautyberry-the-hidden-gem-of-native-american-shrubs/
[9] Beautyberries attract pollinators due to the high nectar content in their blossoms. the-beauty-of-beautyberry-7-reasons-to-love-this-native-shrub
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