American Beautyberry is a native shrub found in the Southeastern US from Maryland to Florida, and west to Oklahoma and Texas. Several specimens of this plant can be seen near the Arboretum's Visitors Center. In early August, pink flowers develop along the stem at the leaf nodes. After pollination, the fruits develop as dense ball-like clusters of green drupes. These mature into conspicuous purple fruits later in the fall and may persist well into the winter months. The fruits provide a source of food for more than 40 species of songbirds. The roots and berries have been used for a variety of medicinal purposes (e.g., to treat dizziness, stomachaches and dysentery), and the crushed leaves have been used as a mosquito and biting insect repellent.

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