Callicarpa americana


Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

wildlife plant   wildlife plant



Plant Specifics

Form: shrub
Life Span: long-lived perennial
Size: Height: 4-8 ft    Width: 3-6 ft
Flower Color: flower color   flower color      white,pink
Fruit Color: fruit color   fruit color      white,purple


Noted for: Showy flowers, showy fruits, hurricane wind resistance


Recommended Uses:

Specimen plant, mass planting, casual shrub screen



Light: light requirement   light requirement  
Moisture Tolerance:
Salt Tolerance: Not salt tolerant
Soil or other substrate: Sand, loam
Soil pH Range: 5.2 - 7.0


wildlife plant   wildlife plant  

Attracts various pollinators. Many bird species consume the showy fruit.

Native Habitats:

Dry mesic hardwoods, xeric hammock, scrubby flatwoods, flatwoods, disturbed dry-moist woods.

Distribution and Planting Zones

Natural Range

USDA Zones:

Map is based on minimum winter temperatures

Suitable to grow in:



Sometimes used to make jelly which is noted for its color. Decoction of roots and branches used in sweatbath for rheumatism and malarial fever by the Creeks and other southeastern native American tribes.

Other Comments:

Fruits are magenta. There is a white-fruited/white-flowered variety that is sold occasionally.