American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is an easy to grow native shrub that produces small pink flowers in spring and purple berries in late summer or early fall. The berries are edible (though slightly astringent) and can be consumed by people raw, with salads, in wine, and in jams and jellies. The berries are loved by deer, birds, and other wildlife. The berries will often persist on the plant over winter, adding color to landscapes and forests. American beautyberry grows in full sun to partial shade in any well-drained soil. The plants benefit from watering during dry spells for maximum growth and berry production, but they are very drought tolerant. The crushed leaves are an old-fashioned mosquito repellent. The plant is an excellent landscape plant, especially in groups. American beautyberry's native range is Texas to Florida, up to Maryland and over to Missouri.