The American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a berry producing plant native to the southeast U.S. All of my life I have thought that these were poisonous. When I was a kid, my dad told me the berries were poisonous, and one of my friends allegedly got sick when he ate some. But as it turns out, they are actually edible and some people say they are quite tasty. Online, you can actually find recipes for Beautyberry Jam. Apparently these are also great natural insect repellents, if you mash them up and rub them over your skin, the mosquitos stay away. This berry is beautiful and maybe next time I see them I will give them a try.
