American beautyberry for birds in North Carolina
Magenta fruit clusters from late summer. Native to North Carolina, where it feeds or shelters 29 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Callicarpa americana
- Native status
- Native in North Carolina
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–8b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- North Carolina birds supported
- 29
- Nesting birds among them
- 23
Growing conditions in North Carolina
Mountains, Piedmont and coastal plain differ sharply — cool, snowy highlands to mild, humid coast.
Warm and humid in the Piedmont and coast; cooler at elevation.
North Carolina birds that use American beautyberry
Year-round residents (11)
Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling
Summer breeders (12)
Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Gray Catbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (6)
Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, Palm Warbler
Black-capped Chickadees and other northern birds are confined to the highest mountains; lowlands stay mild.
Nesting season it supports in North Carolina
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use American beautyberry:
- Northern Cardinal — April–August
- Eastern Bluebird — March–August
- House Finch — March–August
- American Robin — April–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — April–June
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — May–July
- Eastern Towhee — May–July
Native plants to pair with American beautyberry in North Carolina
Frequently asked
Is American beautyberry native to North Carolina?
Yes. American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is recorded as native in North Carolina. North Carolina spans USDA 5b–8b.
What birds does American beautyberry attract in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, American beautyberry supports 29 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.
Does American beautyberry help nesting birds in North Carolina?
23 of those birds nest in North Carolina: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (March–August), House Finch (March–August), American Robin (April–July).
Which winter birds use American beautyberry in North Carolina?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, Palm Warbler use it in North Carolina during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — North Carolina
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.