Plant these shrubs for fall color
American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is one of those shrubs that goes unnoticed until bright purple berries adorn the lengths of its limbs, and then, it is hard to miss. It is not very often that we see such vibrant, concentrated color in nature.
Whether we use the term purple or magenta to describe the berries, apparently the color does not actually exist; it may be an illusion to our eyes. (It’s an entertaining argument to witness among experts.) What is certain is that our eyes also trick us into observing the magenta color as more brilliant by the mere presence of the green leaves — each color makes the other appear more intense.
Visually speaking, allowing the natural limbs to hang gracefully showcases another aspect that we may interpret as beautiful, even though we may not know why we think so. Each cluster develops at the base of oppositely arranged leaves, meaning the leaves frame the berry cluster. The cluster also encompasses the entire stem, creating a sphere of fruit. All these elements add symmetry, which our brains naturally crave and find more beautiful, as it conveys order. Who knew the psychological impact of a shrub?
In nature, this native, deciduous shrub is an understory tree, adding to the layers of a yard that provides food and shelter for wildlife. The trees overhead offer dappled shade but, ideally, do not block the sun completely. The loose-form plant then provides space for ground cover, wildflowers or critters that feed on them.
Unlike more delicate fruit, the plant’s berries hang on past leaf fall, providing sustenance to mockingbirds, cardinals, warblers and other birds. Since they are not necessarily the birds’ favorite, we get to enjoy them longer, and the birds have a living stash when needed.
While the small flowers match the berry color, they can go unnoticed. Pink and white berry plants also are sold, but these are not common in nature. If they are not common in nature, it does pose the question as to whether they serve wildlife the same way. Of interesting note, the petiole (the stem at the base of each leaf ) will reveal the difference between purple and white berries during nonflower/ berry time. The purple berry plant will be a darker tone, with shades of red/magenta. White berry stems will be green, with pink in between.
The glory of beautyberry is its natural arching form, so this is precisely why the plant is not suitable for excessive trimming. If planted in the right place for its size, it will gift you with its low-maintenance and fairly disease- and pest-free nature.
Be aware that there are nonnative beautyberries, such as Callicarpa japonica. They look similar, but the differences are notable. On the nonnative varieties, berries only grow from the top of the stem (not all around), and those berries droop, as they are not held so tightly to the branch.