This shrub is a great plant for the wildlife, not a good form but I leave it alone because its just for the birds. I love these almost florescent purple berries. I really would buy another if I had room for it.

Hi Susan, and thank you.

It does have a rather sprawling habit and can take up some space! That's nice that you have one just for the birds to dine on!

Christine: thanks for the article about Beautyberry, but what in the world is the cultivar with the dark berries? I haven't seen one of those and it's most striking!

Hi Angie, thank you and if you are talking about one of my pictures, they are all the same species, the native Callicarpa americana. The berries can vary in color and the color does deepen, depending on ripeness but the camera might have a little to do with it...

Is this the picture you are talking about? It was taken in November so the berries are at their peak, but the camera lighting may have helped. HA!

That's the one! Mine don't look that dark at all, but they're out in the sun, so maybe that makes a difference.

Thanks for your reply and again for the article.