A branch of Beautyberry also known as Verbena is covered with spiderwebs and filled with purple berries in the morning dew. Photography by Minerva Bloom. The Beautyberry is a deciduous Florida native; it can be found growing throughout the state. It thrives in partial shade, but it flowers and fruits more abundantly in the sun. Small, pinkish-white flowers appear along gracefully arching stems, followed by purple berries, which are a favourite food of mockingbirds.