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| Growth Type: Woody Shrub
Hardiness Zones: 7 - 10
Location at Monticello: East Lawn
Planting Conditions: Full sun
| Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana
This unusual shrub is native from southwestern Maryland to North Carolina, Arkansas, and south to Mexico. While Jefferson resided in Paris during the 1780s, his close friend Madame de Tessé requested that he arrange for plants to be sent for her to plant at Chaville, her estate near Versailles. Jefferson, in turn, wrote his friend John Banister, Jr., for two Beautyberry plants to be shipped to France along with eighteen other plant species. Beautyberry was also on Jefferson's 1771 list of "shrubs not exceeding 10 feet in height" to be planted at Monticello.
Also known as "French Mulberry", the Beautyberry is a large deciduous shrub that shows small lilac flowers the springtime. In late summer, it produces striking purple berries that last long into winter and are eaten by a variety of birds and animals, including deer. Prefers full sun to part shade and ordinary garden soil. Reaches 7 feet in height, but responds well to pruning.
Check Monticello's on-line shops for seeds or plants of Beautyberry.
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