The American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States that is prized for its vibrant purple berry clusters. But beyond its ornamental appeal this hardy shrub also produces oxygen through photosynthesis like all plants. In this article, we will explore how much oxygen American beautyberries generate.
An Overview of American Beautyberries
American beautyberries are medium-sized shrubs that grow 3-6 feet tall and wide. They thrive in zones 7-10, preferring partial shade and moist, well-draining soil The oval leaves emerge light green in spring, darkening over the summer Tiny pink or white flowers bloom in summer, giving way to vivid magenta berry clusters in fall that persist into winter. Birds relish these fruits.
While the purple beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is most common there are also white (Callicarpa americana f. albifructa) and pink (Callicarpa × ‘NCCX2’) cultivars. Dwarf varieties like ‘Mini’ grow just 1-2 feet tall.
The Process of Photosynthesis
During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce carbohydrates and oxygen. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, which contain the green pigment chlorophyll.
When sunlight hits chlorophyll, it excites electrons which then convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and carbohydrates. The oxygen is released through the plant’s stomata – tiny pores on the undersides of leaves.
Photosynthesis is vital for life on Earth. Plants produce over 100 billion tons of oxygen each year, generating the oxygen that animals need to breathe.
Estimating Oxygen Production
Unfortunately, there are no specific statistics available on the oxygen output of American beautyberry shrubs. However, we can make educated estimates based on research on other plants.
Studies show that most plants release 8-10 milligrams of oxygen per hour, per gram of leaf tissue during peak photosynthesis. Rates vary based on factors like light exposure, temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and leaf surface area.
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A healthy American beautyberry shrub may have around 45,000 leaves. Leaves average 2.5 grams each, so total leaf weight is roughly 110,000 grams.
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Assuming peak photosynthesis of 10 mg oxygen/hour/gram leaf tissue, the shrub produces ~1.1 million mg or 1.1 kg of oxygen per hour.
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Over a 14 hour daylight period, that equates to ~15 kg oxygen/day.
So a mature American beautyberry shrub likely generates 15+ kilograms of oxygen per day at peak photosynthesis. This is enough oxygen for 1-2 adults for one day!
Contrasting Sun and Shade Conditions
Light exposure significantly impacts photosynthesis. Studies show that full sun can increase photosynthesis by over 50% compared to shade.
For American beautyberries:
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In full sun, oxygen production may reach 20+ kg/day
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In partial shade, output may be 10-15 kg/day
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In dense shade, less than 10 kg/day
More sunlight enables greater photosynthesis and oxygen release. However, partial shade is ideal for American beautyberries to thrive. Full sun stresses the plants in hot southern climates.
Environmental Factors Affecting Oxygen Production
Many environmental factors affect photosynthesis and oxygen generation:
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Temperature: Photosynthesis peaks between 60-80°F and drops off sharply above that. Hot summer temperatures may inhibit beautyberry oxygen output.
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Water availability: Drought sharply reduces photosynthesis. Beautyberries require moist soil.
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Air quality: Pollutants like ozone and nitrogen oxides lower photosynthesis. Rural beautyberries generate more oxygen.
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Leaf health: Damaged or diseased leaves have lower photosynthetic capacity. Pruning maintains vigorous growth.
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Soil nutrition: Insufficient nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients restrict photosynthesis. Fertilization optimizes growth.
Beautyberries as Clean Air Plants
American beautyberry’s large leaves and vigorous growth make it an excellent choice for producing oxygen. A few key advantages:
- Hardy from zones 7-10 with proper siting
- Tolerates heat, humidity, drought, and poor soils
- Large leaves maximize photosynthetic surface area
- Pollution tolerant once established
- Low maintenance pruning needs
- Attracts pollinators with nectar-rich flowers
Grouping beautyberries together boosts their air purifying power. Use them near walkways, patios, and high traffic areas. Their vibrant colors and wildlife appeal provide beauty and ecosystem benefits.
Additional Air Purifying Shrubs
While beautyberries are superb clean air plants, there are many other options. Here are some top oxygen producing woody shrubs:
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Crape myrtles: Beautiful summer blooms and neat form. Responsive to pruning.
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Rose of Sharon: Flowers prolifically in summer. Tolerates heat, humidity, and drought.
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Forsythia: Cheerful yellow spring blooms. Fast growing and low maintenance.
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Bluebeard shrubs: Blue flowers spring through summer. Needs good drainage.
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Spirea: Flowers in pinks, whites, and reds. Prune in late winter to maximize growth.
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Viburnum: Fragrant spring blooms. Fruit attracts wildlife. Does well in shade.
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When will my beautyberry produce fruit?
Plants planted in the spring should flower and produce berries during their first year in the ground. Beautyberry is self-fertile and only one plant is needed to produce fruit.
Growing American Beautyberry – Native Edible
FAQ
What are the benefits of beautyberry bushes?
Do beauty berries repel mosquitoes?
Where is the best place to plant a beautyberry bush?
Does beautyberry like full sun or shade?
How fast does a beautyberry grow?
You may have never heard of the American beautyberry ( Callicarpa americana ), but it checks all the boxes. It can grow 4 to 7 feet (and sometimes 10 feet!) in just one season! This U.S. native shrub of the mint family, Lamiaceae, is fast-growing, drought tolerant, and produces beautiful purple to violet berries each fall.
How much sun does American beautyberry need?
Once established, this shrub is easy to grow and care for, with limited disease and pest problems and new growth every year. American beautyberry thrives in full to part sun, requiring 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This gorgeous shrub requires full sun to part sun locations. It will need at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
How big does a beautyberry grow?
Beautyberry ( Callicarpa americana) is a deciduous shrub found naturally in the southeastern United States. It grows between 3 and 6 feet tall and wide on average, though it’s been known to reach 9 feet tall. It has a moderate growth rate, gaining around 1 to 2 feet per year until it is mature, and it can be planted in the fall or spring.
What is an American beautyberry?
The American beautyberry is a deciduous shrub that produces purple berries in the fall and in winter. Though it grows mainly in the woodlands, it’s a