Fantastic tricolored foliage in shades of creamy-white, rose-burgundy, and dark green make this ajuga different than all the others. In the fall, the mature leaves turn a deep bronze while the newer growth takes on a rose tone. From mid to late spring, short spikes of blue flowers stand upright above the low, spreading foliage.

American beautyberry is a fast growing native perennial shrub; growing five to eight feet tall and almost as wide with drooping branches. In late spring to early summer, inconspicuous flowers of blue, violet, pink, or white are arranged in clusters on the stems between the leaves. In August or September, clusters of small purple to blue berries or drupes encircle the woody stems.