This is the second post in a new series, in which @papa-pepper will share about different plants that they plan on growing on the homestead, and why.
Our second featured plant is the American Beautyberry (Calllicarpa americana), and it is a really interesting plant.
AMERICAN BEAUTYBERRRY VIDEO
BACKGROUND
When I first heard about the American Beautyberry, I was looking through some plants to order for our homestead. I wanted to get some native species to plant on our property that would at least have a purpose, such as producing food.
At the time I ordered 100 of these, I had never seen them in person yet or even tried them. However, since I heard that they were edible and had other uses, that was enough for me.
PLANT INFO
The American Beautyberry is a wild shrub native to the southeastern United States. The plant shoots forth from a center root system and the branches can grow about eight feet long. It is covered with beautiful green leaves and eventually produces an incredible purple berry, with grows in clusters along the branches.
GROWING CONDITIONS
While American Beautyberry plants can exist in a variety of conditions, they thrive out in the open with partial shade. I have seen some incredible ones in fields since I first was introduced to the species. Since animals like deer and birds use the berries as a food source, their seeds can be distributed all over the place.
They can be found growing natively not only in the southeastern United States, but also on some Caribbean Islands and down into Mexico as well. Since they can be a popular ornamental shrub, they have been grown far beyond their native areas, and they do well in a wide variety of soil types.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
The American Beautyberry is known to contain nutrients like Calcium and Magnesium. It is also a crude protein. It is suggested that this plant should only be eaten in small quantities until you know how you will react to it. It is mildly astringent and can cause stomach cramps or other ailments.
One of the most common food uses for the American Beautyberry is to use it to make a jam or spread. We have not tried this yet, but we plan on trying it in the future.
OTHER USES
As an herbal remedy, this plant is amazing. My favorite use is that the leaves can be used as a mosquito repellent. Pioneers would even use the leaves to rid their animals of various biting insects. One particular compound found in this plant is as effective as DEET for scaring away mosquitos.
Tea can be made from the berries or roots and has been used to treat things like colic and dysentery. The leaves have also been used to treat dropsy.
PROPAGATION
The traditional, natural way of propagating this plant is by planting the seeds that are contained inside the berries. When wild animals eat the berries, they spread them all over the place in their droppings. Collecting and planting the seeds is therefore a proven method for starting new plants.
Additionally, softwood stem cuttings can be rooted with proper effort and care. Once the softwood cuttings are taken, the bottom leaves can be removed and a rooting hormone can be applied. Like so any other plants, you can get a whole new bush just by taking a cutting off of one stem. I think that the layering method would also work well with the American Beautyberry, but I have not tried it yet.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
To be blessed with the stewardship over a portion of the earth is an incredible opportunity. Among our main goals is growing food, and we’ll keep experimenting with various plants.
The American Beautyberry will of course look amazing on our land, but have not only another potential food source but also free, natural insect repellent will be incredible!
All photos, video, and writing are original, but some research was done at the following websites: Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, HERE IS THE PREVIOUS VIDEO FROM THIS SERIES
As always, I'm @papa-pepper and here's the proof:
proof-of-american-beautyberry
Until next time…
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