Though not very palatable to humans in their raw form, as they tend to be bitter, they can be cooked and sweetened to make jellies, sauces and even wines. Farmers and outdoor enthusiasts alike have been known to crush the leaves in order to repel mosquitoes and other biting bugs. Native American tribes reportedly used beautyberry for medicinal purposes to treat malarial fevers, rheumatism, dizziness, stomachaches and dysentery. You can plant beautyberry at any time during the year, and it will be drought-tolerant once established. If not devoured first by birds, the fruits will persist for several weeks after the plant drops its leaves.
Beautyberry fruit