American Beautyberry is a native deciduous shrub that produces inconspicuous lavender flowers in mid summer but as fall approaches the plant becomes laden with brightly colored clusters of purple fruit producing a striking display. American Beautyberry prefers light shade or protection from the afternoon sun in Oklahoma. It grows from 5 to 10' high and just as broad but overgrown plants can be rejuvenated by cutting them to the ground in winter without sacrificing fruit since the flowers are produced on new growth. This native shrub can be massed as an informal hedge, incorporated into a mixed border, or used as an understory plant in a naturalistic garden setting. White fruited cultivars are also available.

Exposure: Light shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Hardiness: USDA Zone 6