Callicarpa americana var. lactea

American beautyberry

Usually found with purple fruits, this white variety is a rare exception in the wild. The fruits are edible, though in small quantities, as they are astringent and can be sour. The fruit-covered branches serve as beautiful table ornaments.

Leaves rubbed on the skin reportedly have insect-repellant properties for humans and animals. A compound extracted from the plant known as callicarpenal has demonstrated efficacy in tests as a mosquito repellant.

Boiled roots and leaves were used in Native American sweat baths to treat rheumatism and fevers. Tea from the root bark was used as a diuretic.

Several species in the genus Callicarpa have been reported to have anti-cancer properties; a record exists of the root from this species used to treat skin cancer. Studies have shown the root has antiviral properties against polio and measles. Essential oils of American beautyberry have demonstrated toxicity to algae and other plants, which could make it a useful herbicide.

Naturalist William Bartram notes fields of “callicarpa” (probably this species) in the area of St. Augustine, FL, during his explorations in 1774. Native Americans probably cultivated this plant for its value for food, medicine, and dye.

American beautyberry is drought tolerant, not too picky about soil conditions, likes broken shade, and is hardy north to Zone 6.