Leaves of American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), also known as French Mulberry may have insect repellent qualities

[Emily]

http://survival.outdoorlife.com/blogs/survivalist/2012/04/toxic-truth-about-deet-and-peremethrin

from GuyGene 4/11/2012 at 03:11pm

Years ago when I worked for the national forest service, the old timers taught me to use what they called French Mulberry limbs. It is a low growing plant, and they just broke off a branch and then you beat it over your pants and shirt real good. It works! I have often wondered how Indians and the pioneers kept ticks, redbugs, etc. off of them way back.

Some photos here of what that might be:

http://www.rnr.lsu.edu/plantid/webtour/species/frmulberry/frmulberry.htm
French mulberry
Callicarpa americana

More support for the insect repellent quality here:

http://www.hsu.edu/pictures.aspx?id=1344

The American Beautyberry: A Possible Mosquito Repellant

Beautyberry Crossett

The American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), also known as French Mulberry, is a deciduous bush that reaches a height of over two meters (well over six feet).
[snip]
The beautyberry has a reputation as a folk remedy. A crushed leaf rubbed on the skin supposedly deters ticks, ants, and mosquitoes. A chemical called callicarpenol extracted from the plant has been studied as a possible insect repellant by the USDA, at a facility housed at the University of Mississippi. Other ethnobotanical uses have included use of the root bark as a diuretic, and for treatment of dysentery and stomachaches. Also, a tea made from the roots and berries had been used to treat colic.

Remember to never eat wild berries unless you can 100% positively identify the plant. Many berries are poisonous.