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American Persimmon



American Persimmon, Diospyros virginiana, is a native deciduous tree that grows to 80 feet tall and 30 feet wide. It is dioecious which means there are female and male trees, so you will need both to have fruit. You won’t be able to tell if you have males or females until it flowers, so it is a good idea to plant several to increase the likelihood of getting one of each. It flowers from March to June and the fruit ripens in the fall. This tree loves the sun and moist soil and can be used in a rain garden. It is drought tolerant. The bark on this tree is distinctive pattern of blocks that is sometimes referred to as “alligator bark.” This tree puts on a beautiful show in the fall as the leaves change to yellow and orange.


This tree can be propagated by seed and root cuttings. For seeds, clean well and place in moist peat in the refrigerator for cold stratification for 60 days. Seedlings grow slowly. For root cuttings, place roots in damp sand in the fall. Shoots should appear in the spring. It has a deep taproot so it is difficult to transplant. Patience is needed for this tree because it may take 10 years for the tree to mature to full production. The American Persimmon is the larval host plant of the Luna moth and Hickory Horndevil. (Citheronia regalis) larvae. The flowers are loved by pollinators including our native bees.


The fruit is sweet when ripe and enjoyed by many animals including humans. Your fruit will be extremely and unpleasantly astringent until the moment it is ripe. Many enjoy the fruit in recipes such as bread and muffins as well as syrups and pudding. Persimmon leaves can be used to make tea that is high in vitamin C, but is considered to have a slightly bitter taste. To make tea, pick fresh, young leaves to seep in hot water for 15 minutes. Leaves can be dried for later use.


American Persimmon was our Plant of the Month in January 2025.

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