Approximately 25 seeds per packet
Collected and packaged: 2025
Germination code: C90
Please refer to our germination codes and growing information for recommendations and tips.
Seed treatment recommended: this species requires a minimum of 90 days of cold moist stratification to break its natural dormancy and encourage germination. Alternatively, sow seeds in outdoor containers in the fall or winter, with germination occurring in the spring. If seed is untreated by February, we recommend artificially moist stratifying in a fridge.
Surface sow only: this species has small seeds that may require light to germinate. Sown seed should only be sprinkled over the surface of pre-moistened soil, pressed into the surface lightly, and not covered or buried beneath the soil. Water lightly with a light spray or mist to keep the soil moist. Be careful when watering before germination occurs to not bury or dislodge the seeds. Optional: top seed with a very thin sprinkle of sand or vermiculite to conserve surface moisture.
Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry) Seed Packet
Maryland ecotype
Duration: Deciduous shrub
Habit: Upright to arching, open, multi-stemmed shrub
Size: 3–8 ft tall, often as wide or wider
Flowering Time: May–July
Bloom Color: Pale pink to lavender
Habitat: Open woods, woodland edges, thickets, floodplains, and hammocks
Moisture: Average to moist; well-drained to seasonally wet soils, somewhat drought tolerant once established
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soils: Sandy, loamy, or clay; tolerant of a wide range of soil types
Uses: Wildlife habitat (high-value bird food from berries), native shrub borders, woodland edge restoration, rain gardens, ornamental interest for fall fruit and colorCallicarpa americana, the American beautyberry, is a deciduous native shrub with striking clusters of vivid purple berries that encircle the stems in late summer and fall. The shrub has an open, arching habit with softly pubescent, aromatic leaves and small, pale pink to lavender flowers from late spring into early summer.
American beautyberry commonly occurs nearby coastal areas, woodland edges, in open understories, and in moist thickets, where filtered light and well-drained soils support vigorous growth. Although visually modest while flowering, the plant becomes highly ornamental once fruit sets, often persisting well into winter. A common invasive plant, the asian beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) has smaller leaves and clusters of berries, and is more weeping in habit.
The nectar and pollen of American beautyberry's flowers attract a range of native bees, butterflies, and other insects, while the abundant berries are a crucial late-season food source for birds such as mockingbirds, cardinals, thrushes, and towhees, as well as small mammals. The foliage serves as a host for several Lepidoptera, and provides cover for wildlife throughout the growing season.
The vibrant berries are edible but highly astringent when raw, often being used in making wine, jams and jellies. The fresh leaves contain compounds that naturally repel mosquitoes.