Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

My, it is getting into fall. One of my indicators is our American Beautyberry shrub. The berries have now developed these wonderful purple-blue berries with a very shiny luster. The Beautyberry is a native of the southeastern United States.

The berries last well into the winter or dry season and are an important survival food for birds and other animals, though they will not eat them until other sources are depleted. The berries are highly astringent, and considered unfit for human use. (Although at the North Bend State Park's Natural Wild Food Weekend, I noticed recipes for Beautyberry jelly.)