There were many flowers, bushes and trees but this was one of my favorites, Beautyberry. The seeds and berries are important foods for many species of birds, particularly the Northern Bobwhite. Foliage is a favorite of White-tailed Deer. Not only are beautyberries edible - 40 species of birds and other wildlife love them - but the leaf oil also can repel insects. The ripest berries are those closest to the bush at the base of the branch. ... Ripe berries will fall into the bowl.