American beautyberry

noun

: a shrub (Callicarpa americana) native to the southern U.S. and West Indies that has clusters of small, usually pink flowers and purple berries and is often used as an ornamental

The native American beautyberry comes to life, maturing bright purple clusters of pea-size fruits along the stems.

—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Sept. 1995

called also beautyberry, French mulberry

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

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