Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry)

Native to the central and southeastern United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Cuba, this deciduous perennial shrub grows about 3 to 8 feet tall, with arching branches and opposite, toothed leaves. It occurs in open woods, thickets, and along waterways. In the United States, small flowers appear in late spring and early summer, followed by dense purple berry clusters that may persist into early winter. The berries feed songbirds and small mammals and are used to make jelly. Compounds isolated from its leaves have mosquito-repellent properties. Flowers and fruit develop on new shoots, so pruning is done in late winter. Photographed in Peru.