The American beautyberry is a woody, deciduous, perennial shrub that produces showy purple fruits in the fall. It is native to the central and southeastern United States. Uses: - crushed leaves can repel mosquitos, ticks, and fire ants. - berries are edible (best suited for jelly). - food source for songbirds and small mammals. - butterfly or pollinator gardens. - floral arrangements. - Native Americans used root and leaf tea in sweat baths for rheumatism, fevers, and malaria. - Root tea used fo