American beautyberry is a large, somewhat rangy shrub of moist woodlands and woods-edges throughout the south-east and south-central coastal and Piedmont regions. Preference is for moist part shade though it is very adaptable to dryer locations and full sun if the soils are enriched. It can tolerate clay as well as sandy soils and makes a handsome landscape shrub. Flowers are Pinkish and occur at the leaf axils of new growth. Flowering occurs from July-August. Bright clusters of purple berries appear afterward and surround the stem entirely (unlike the Asian species). These fruits hold on the shrub for a long time and are even attractive in the winter. Birds will eventually eat them. They are also edible to humans and electric purple jelly can be made from them. Grows 3-6 feet tall but is often top-killed in colder climates. It will grow back from such winterkill vigorously and will still bloom and fruit. Zone 6-9. VA ecotype.