American Beauty Berry

Origin

Native to Florida and the greater Southeast Region: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia , Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. May also be found in Maryland and Montana.

Growing Conditions

Prefers growing in full sun to part shade in moist to somewhat dry well draining soils. This shrub can reach 8’ tall and 5’ wide, allow room for this plant to spread.

Naturally Found

Naturally found growing among oak and pine forests as an understory tree. This plant will be found in areas with well draining soils.

Harvesting Info

Collect the berries when they turn bright purple (fuschia) in color during late summer to early fall. The berries can be used for use as jams, jellies, syrups, lemonades, wines, and more.

Collect the leaves anytime of the year they are found on the plant to make a homemade bug spray.

Recipes

Beauty Berry Bug Spray 
Yield: 1 4-5oz bottle

1 cup beauty berry leaves (freshly picked) 
4oz rubbing alcohol (isopropanol)
10-15 drops of neem oil
10-15 drops of lemongrass

Directions

  1. Combine beauty berry leaves and rubbing alcohol. If the leaves are not completely submerged, add water until they are. If the leaves are left unsubmerged, they can develop mold. 

  2. Let it sit for 2 days - 3 weeks 

  3. Strain out the plant material.

  4. Add 10-15 drops of neem oil and lemongrass.