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Are the berries from the Beautyberry shrub a food source for wildlife?

Last Updated: December 14, 2006

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At least 40 species of songbirds feed upon the beautyberry shrub (Callicarpa americana; also known as French mulberry) fruit, especially the bobwhite quail, American robin, northern cardinal, gray catbird, northern mockingbird, brown thrasher, purple finch, and eastern towhee. The fruits are also known to be eaten by raccoon, armadillo, opossum, and gray fox as well as numerous small rodents. Although considered a medium preference browse species, leaves are commonly browsed by white-tailed deer, and it can be a major part of the summer diet when highly preferred foods are scarce.

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