American Beautyberry

Description

A deciduous, multistemmed perennial with opposite leaves. Leaves are aromatic when crushed. Flowers are clustered in the axils of the leaves and are largely inconspicous. Fruits form in ball-like clusters at the nodes (where the leaves attach to the stem) and are usually purple to magenta. White fruited individuals are occasionally found in the wild and in the nursery trade. Crushed leaves are useful as a mosquito and deerfly repellent. Fruit is edible.