2019 First-Class Forever Stamp,Winter Berries: Beauty Berry

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U.S. #5417

2019 55¢ Winter Berries: Beautyberry

Value: 55¢ 1-ounce First-class rate (Forever)

Issue Date: September 17, 2019

First Day City: Tulsa, OK

Type of Stamp: Definitive

Printed by: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.

Printing Method: Offset

Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20

Self-Adhesive

Quantity Printed: 300,000,000

The American beautyberry (Callicarpa Americana) is one of the most striking fruiting plants in North America. It can be found only in the southeastern United States and is known for its brightly colored clusers of berries.

American beautyberry bushes grow in open areas with few trees and usually reach three to five feet tall and wide. (Some specimens in ideal conditions have been reported to grow up to nine feet.) The berries of the plant grow in clusters at the base of leaves and have an iridescent reddish-purple color.

From September to October, a variety of songbirds and other animals can be found feasting on American beautyberries. Some of these species include white-tailed deer, squirrels, foxes, and armadillo, in addition to songbirds such as cardinals, finches, mockingbirds, and more. Eacho f these animals plays an important role in scattering the seeds of the American beautyberry and ensuring its continued survival.

In addition to being a good food source for animals and a colorful backyard plant, the American beautyberry has another use. When crushed, the plant's leaves are known to be an effective mosquito and biting fly repellent. It just goes to show that, even though it is known for its beauty, this plant is great for many other reasons, too.