American beautyberry ( Callicarpa americana ) should only be eaten at their full ripeness which occurs in early fall and cooked, otherwise they can cause mild stomach cramps. They are quite tasteless and astringent when eaten raw anyways.
Cooked they develop a complex aroma and their astringency is reduced which make them ideal for jam / jelly making.
Smaller individuals like children of petite women shouldn't consume the same amounts as the average adult, as their smaller organs may not be able to process as much.
The berries can also be used to make natural purple dye.
The fresh leaves are crushed to make mosquito and tick repellents.
