American beautyberry is a native shrub grown for its fall show: clusters of glossy violet-purple berries strung like beads along arching stems. It grows loose and graceful to 3 to 6 feet, and mockingbirds and other songbirds feast on the fruit into winter.

Give it sun to part shade in about any soil, including clay; berry set is heaviest with more light. It blooms and fruits on new wood, so cut it back hard in late winter for a fuller shrub and better berries. A natural for native and wildlife gardens.