American Beautyberry (French Mulberry)
Callicarpa americana · Lamiaceae (Mint and Deadnettle family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Ovate to elliptical with an acuminate tip and tapered base
Margin
Coarsely serrate or dentate along the upper two-thirds of the margin
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement along the woody stems
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib and branching secondary veins
Key Features
Opposite, simple leaves with coarsely toothed margins, hairy surfaces, and a distinct pungent scent when crushed, paired with square stems typical of the mint family.
Description
Callicarpa americana is a loosely branched, upright deciduous shrub famous for its vibrant clusters of bright magenta-purple berries that encircle the stems in autumn. The foliage consists of aromatic, opposite leaves that emit a pungent odor when crushed.
Habitat
Understory of hardwood forests, moist thickets, swamp borders, and along roadsides in partial shade to full sun
Native Range
Native to the southeastern United States, ranging from Maryland south to Florida, and west to Texas and Arkansas
Notes
In Sumter South Carolina