278. FRENCH MULBERRY (_Callicarpa americana_ L.) or beautyberry: a
medium shrub fairly common in low woods especially where sandy. Leaves:
simple, opposite, coarsely toothed, 3 to 5 inches long, 1½ to 3 wide,
light green, tapering at both ends, softly fuzzy on both sides and with
tiny shining glands beneath. Twigs: with pale, rusty fuzz. Flowers: pale
pink, in dense clusters close to the branches at each pair of leaves.
Fruit: bright reddish purple, about ¼ inch across, in dense clusters 1
to 1½ inches across, surrounding the stems. Often planted for the
decorative fruits which are attractive to birds. K (p. 341).
[Illustration: 278 French mulberry]