Little noticed shrub now blooming in Plaza

American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

If you are a frequent visitor to Ijams in the fall, you are well aware of American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). 


The shrub is aptly named; its purple berries grab everyone's attention, they're indeed beautiful.


In October, one of the most often asked questions at the front desk is "What's that wonderful bush with the beautiful berries?"


But in June and July, few seem to notice the shrub or its flowers, which are quite lovely in their own right, albeit a bit small.


American beautyberry is native to the Southeast. It makes an excellent ornamental in your yard that produces berries the birds eat through the fall into winter.


But don't forget to notice the flowers at this time of the year. You can find it around the Visitor Center Plaza.