Callicarpa americana: American beautyberry. from the Verbenaceae (Verbena Family). This shrub will grow to 3-5 feet and about the same in width. It has long arching branches with clusters of berries at leaf axils. These beautiful iridescent-purple fruit grown in the fall and winter. It’s a favorite to so many birds since the fruit has a high moisture content. They are also favorites of the opossum, raccoon and squirrels. White tailed deer consume the fruit
in the fall after leaf drop. During spring and summer, the deer consume the foliage. These shrubs may be propagated by softwood cuttings, but they are primarily grown from seed that require no pretreatment to germinate.
Due to the numerous fruits many volunteers will produce and are very hearty. These may be dug up and transplanted in other locations. The flower cluster that forms appears on new growth, so prune only after the fruits are gone to encourage next seasons growth and berry production. This plant can withstand a hard pruning. You may take it to the ground level in winter months if you desire. Although the berries are most commonly found in the rich purple, they are also available in white. It certainly has earned its name.
Feature for November: Beautyberry
November 12, 2013 by Linda Welch
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 
I’ll bet next spring – with your information about the many volunteers – a few of us will be lifting the branches and looking for those! There may be just too much mulch in that area for seed/soil contact though…..
Yes, they are stunning. Toledo Botanical cuts them to the ground and each fall they are magnificent – grow back to 5′ and loaded with berries. Those new to the plant may want to check out the offerings – there are some with a more yellow leaf that really accents the purple beautifully.