Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Identifying Features
Plant Family: Ebenaceae
Native Range: Eastern and Central United States
Leaf: deciduous, alternate, simple, leaf margin smooth, oval-shaped with rounded base and pointed tip
Twig and Bud: twig light brown and zigzagged, bud dark red-brown
Flower, Fruit and Seed: flower is white to greenish, flowers dioecious (male and female on separate trees), fruit 1-2 inches and orange to red-purple
Bark: mature bark is dark and blocky
Shape and Mature Height: narrow tree with contorted branches, mature height 35-60 feet
Garden Value and Considerations
Persimmon trees are tolerant of a variety of soil conditions and can grow in full sun to part shade. The dark, blocky bark is a stand-out feature of this tree.
Notes
The fruit is edible and sweetens after a few hard frosts. It can be used in baked goods, jams and other recipes. Wildlife eat the fruits as well, including raccoon, opossum, fox, deer, wild turkey, cedar waxwing, northern mockingbird and more. The wood is extremely hard and is used to make golf clubs and other implements that require durability.
