American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

American Persimmon

(Diospyros virginiana)

American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

Puddin Tain

CC BY-SA 2.0

Image By: Puddin Tain

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Diospyros virginiana, commonly known as American Persimmon, is a deciduous tree native to a variety of habitats including dry forests, open woodlands, and river bottoms throughout the Southeastern and Eastern United States. It can reach up to 20 meters (66 feet) in height and is known for its adaptability to different soil types, though it thrives in well-drained, sandy loam soils. The tree’s form is rounded to oval, and it has distinctive blocky, dark bark. American Persimmon is dioecious, requiring both male and female trees for fruit production, although many cultivars are parthenocarpic. The small, fragrant, yellowish flowers bloom in late spring and are pollinated by insects and wind. Fruiting typically begins at around 6 years of age. The fruit, which matures in late fall, is round or oval, usually orange-yellow, sometimes bluish, and ranges from 2 to 6 cm in diameter.

The American Persimmon is valued for its edible fruit, which is used in desserts and traditional dishes in the U.S. South and Midwest. The fruit’s flavor can vary significantly, with some being palatable after frost and others remaining astringent. In cultivation, the tree is appreciated for its ornamental qualities, including its attractive bark and foliage, as well as its wildlife value, as the fruit is a food source for birds and mammals. It is used in urban and rural landscaping, and as a specimen tree in large gardens. The tree prefers full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water. It is relatively low-maintenance but can suffer from diseases such as leaf spot and canker. Some cultivars are known for producing consistently high-quality fruit.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 35-60 feet
Width: 25-35 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Dry forests, open woodlands, and river bottoms

Other Names

Common Names: Common Persimmon , American Persimmon , Eastern Persimmon , Simmon , Possumwood , Persimone , Persimon , Possum Apple , Sugar Plum , Caqui De Virginia

Scientific Names: Diospyros virginiana , Diospyros virginiana var. pubescens , Diospyros virginiana var. virginiana , Diospyros lucida , Diospyros virginiana var. platycarpa , Diospyros virginiana f. pumila , Diospyros angustifolia , Diospyros mosieri , Diospyros virginiana f. atra , Diospyros calycina

GBIF Accepted Name: Diospyros virginiana L.