What is this bush?
by
Louise
+13
Several have grown in my yard and I left them because I think they're pretty, but I assume they're weeds. Does anyone know what this is? One, obviously, is a close-up and the other shows the graceful branches. This is metro Atlanta.
I think it's a Purple Beautyberry.
Here's a link with more information about it:
https://www.finegardening.com/plant/purple-beautyberry-callicarpa-dichotoma
Beauty Berry
And these would show up without being planted? I've lived here over 30 yrs and they only appeared about two years ago. Maybe birds ate berries somewhere and made a deposit in my yard?
It's only a weed if you don't want it there. Theyre very pretty!
Beautyberry
They are definitely not
weeds...they are beautyberry bushes and get about 6' high.
Thanks for all the replies. Even if they WERE weeds, I'd leave them because I think they're pretty.
In the "olden days" the leaves were put under the yoke of work animals to keep pests away. So they say.
They are definitely American Beautyberries. The berries are edible, but don't taste great. Kind of perfumey. I have made jelly from them and it is pretty tasty. We live in Texas, about 50 miles from Dallas and our property is covered in them. I have seen them in plant catalogues; about $5 for one gallon container. The website "Eat the Weeds" has good info on lots of these kinds of plants. And like one reader said, they are only weeds if you don't like them.
It's an American Beauty Bush. I love them! Lovely purple berries!
Louise it’s an American Beauty Berry like everyone has said. They will reach 5’ easily. you can make a really good insect repellent with them. So if you can get one to grow near your favorite outdoor seating spot even better. But here’s a recipe for you it’s a JAM but insect repellent
INGREDIENTS : 6 cups of berries, free of stems and leaves,8 cups of water,4 cups of sugar,1 package of low-sugar pectin.
Beautiful Beauty Berry. I'm envious. I can't get one to grow for the life of me. You're very lucky!