FLOWER OF THE WEEK AT SOPCHOPPY DEPOT PARK

Beautyberry

By LYNN ARTZ, SANDY TEDDER and DAVID RODDENBERRY

Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a showy carefree native shrub. Growing rapidly to 3-8 feet tall and nearly as wide, it has an open, airy form with graceful arching branches and yellow fall color. In late spring, bees and other pollinators flock to the dense clusters of small lavender-pink flowers where the leaves meet the stems. Beautyberry is a larval host for spring azure butterflies and snowberry clearwing moths. Flowers give way to an amazing fall display of brilliant fuchsia berries in glossy clusters that hug the branches. Many birds and small mammals love the fruit which can be used to make jelly. The leaves, when crushed, release chemicals that repel mosquitos, ticks, and ants in lab tests. Underused in home landscapes, beautyberry delights on the east side of Sopchoppy Depot Park.