Callicarpa americana
(American Beautyberry)
Callicarpa americana, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 3589/3605
Callicarpa americana, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 3678/3705
Callicarpa americana, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 3624/3634
Callicarpa americana, Lake Somerville State Park, Birch Creek, Burleson Co. 9002
Callicarpa americana, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 3707
Callicarpa americana, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 0049
Callicarpa americana, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Co. 0078
| Scientific Name | Callicarpa americana | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CAAM2 |
| Common Name | American Beautyberry | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 32114 |
| Family | Lamiaceae (Mint) | Wildflower Center Ref. | Click Here |
| Description | Habitat: Moist areas in woods under open pine canopies, thickets, roadsides, and fence rows; pioneer species, tolerant of fire. Plant: Perennial shrub five to eight feet tall and almost as wide; drooping branches; slender, gray to reddish brown stems. Leaves: Opposite, ovate to elliptic leaves, 3 to 8 inches long; petioles 3/8 to 1-3/8 inches long; toothed edges; young leaves with small hairs, upper surfaces becoming smooth later. Inflorescence: Dense clusters of small white/pink blossoms leaf axils; clusters usually not exceeding the leaf petioles; 5 petals united for 1/2 to 2/3 their length; yellow anthers with stamens extending beyond petals. Fruit: Showy clusters, distinctly colored-pink to lavender to purple, rarely white; berrylike, about 1/4 inch diameter, lasting after the leaves have fallen. Bloom Period: May to July. References: USDA, Wildflower Center, Florida State College-Jacksonville/David Byres, and "Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country" by Marshall Enquist. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2024