Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 5341132

Purple Beautyberry

Callicarpa dichotoma

Also known as Early Amethyst, Korean Beautyberry

Purple beautyberry illuminates forest edges and garden borders with arching branches laden in metallic, iridescent violet drupes each autumn. Pinkish-white summer blossoms give way to tightly bunched berry clusters positioned just above the leaf joints, creating an unmistakable stepped silhouette. These vibrant fruits persist well into winter, serving as a critical late-season fuel reserve for overwintering songbirds after the foliage drops.

DeciduousBerry-bearingOrnamental
Purple Beautyberry reference
Licensed reference(c) llevin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by llevin · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Photoautotrophic (synthesizes energy via sunlight, water, and minerals)
Predators
  • Songbirds
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Small Rodents
ThreatsHabitat clearance, severe winter freezes, and unmanaged invasive shrubs
HabitatsDeciduous forest margins, open valleys, stream banks, and cultivated gardens
Life span15–30 years
Classification
  1. OrderLamiales
  2. FamilyLamiaceae
  3. GenusCallicarpa
  4. SpeciesCallicarpa dichotoma
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Pruning: Cut back stems close to the ground in early spring, as flowers and fruit develop exclusively on new wood.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Watch the bare branches during late autumn when flocks of thrushes and finches visit for berries.
  • Garden Placement: Position in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil for the densest fruit production.
Related species
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