Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Persimmon

Diospyros virginiana
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Orange, Yellow

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Moderate
Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects, Songbirds
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators, Food/Small Animals, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

35 to
60
feet

Spread:

20 to
35
feet
Size
Height: 35 to
60
feet
Spread: 20 to
35
feet
Size
Height: 35 to
60
feet
Spread: 20 to
35
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Plant in hedgerows and thickets and or as a grove for fruit.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grows best in full sun in moist, well-drained soil but it will adapt to drier locations. May be difficult to transplant. Plant in spring as a small tree for best results. Needs two sexes to fruit.
Special Features
Interesting Bark
Special Usage
Edible
Basic Description

Medium-sized trees with distinctive, dark brown to black bark with rectangular blocks, similar to alligator hide. Male and female flowers appear in May to June on separate trees. October frosts signal the beginning of persimmon season. When ripe, persimmon fruits turn yellowish to pale orange and taste similar to apricots. Prior to ripening, the fruits have an astringent taste. Trees tend to sucker and form thickets but can be kept in check by mowing. Host for larvae of a number of moth species, including the luna moth (Actias luna). Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

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