American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), also known as French mulberry, is a native shrub or small tree, usually growing to about 3-5 feet tall. The seeds and berries provide food for birds, in particular, the Northern Bobwhite. White-tailed deer like the leaves. Native Americans used the root and leaves to make a medicinal tea.

I’ve read that the berries are sometime white and in both photos you can see that the berries at the branch tip are white, but in this case, I think it’s because they’re not ripe.

I took these photos, in mid-September, of a single specimen I saw while riding my bike in our development. I’ve never seen them on our property, and have only seen one other along the road into our neighborhood.

It’s easily propagated and requires little care. Mary bought one in a small pot at a plant sale recently held at the San Marcos Nature Center. We’re going to try to establish it near our house.