There are quite a few American beautyberry bushes (Callicarpa americana) that grow wild on my property and I try to leave them alone for a couple of reasons. First, the berries that they produce each fall and into the winter are aptly named and are quite beautiful. They are also edible, both for people and for wildlife, including birds, squirrels, deer, and foxes. The most common way that people use them is in jams and jellies since they are said to be mildly sour if eaten off the bush. The bushes are also very pretty during the summer when they produce clusters of small pink flowers that are loved by pollinators. There are several species of beautyberries, also sometimes called French mulberries, and some of them may be invasive, so it is important to make sure you get the native species if planting them. By planting some beauty berries you can help to feed the local birds each fall and winter, feed the bees, wasps, and butterflies each summer, and beautify your yard in the process.

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