The American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a perennial shrub native to areas south of Connecticut. However, with our warmer winters it may do well here. It quickly grows to 3 to 8 feet in full sun to partial shade in soil with good drainage. In late spring and early summer small inconspicuous flowers bloom on the stems  followed by showy  clusters of purple fruit in the fall. The berries are a food source for many songbirds, including the American Robin, Brown Thrasher, Purple Finch, and Eastern Towhee. Beautyberry benefits from pruning;  flowers and fruit appear on new shoots. It is not deer resistant.