One of the features of the Meadow is the Beautyberry -
Callicarpa americana, that is naturalizing
here. Alternative names for this plant are
French mulberry, sourbush, or purple beauty-berry.
Clearly the McFarlane environment
is perfect for American Beautyberries. A casual observation indicates
that our environment is favored by the purple as each year their number
grows.
This native plant was used by Native Americans for
medicinal purposes. Early 20th century farmers crushed the
leaves thus creating a repellent for mosquitoes and other biting bugs.
Wildlife love the berries which are high in moisture. The USDA NRCS
estimates that the berries are a source of food for more than 40 species
of birds. Animals which consume the berries and/or leaves include foxes,
opossums, raccoons, squirrels, and deer.
McFarlane
Beautyberries are growing in the Sun Border as well. |
white beautyberry
magenta beautyberry
pink beautyberry |