American Persimmon Tree Plant Profile
American Persimmon Tree (Diospyros virginiana) is a small
fruit tree that is native to most of the Eastern and Midwestern United
States. It is also known as the Common Persimmon, Eastern Persimmon, Possum
Apple, Possumwood, Winter Plum, Jove's Fruit, or Native Persimmon.
It grows best in moist, sandy soils, but it is fairly
adaptable. It can tolerate light shade. You will need a nearby male tree to
have a fruiting female one, though there are native cultivars available now
that are bred to be self-fertile including ‘Yates’, ‘Prok’, and ‘Meade’.
This highly ornamental tree has oval leaves that are a
glossy dark-green. They turn golden yellow in the fall before dropping. The
bark is dark gray and has an interesting texture that resembles alligator hide.
The persimmon tree’s fruit becomes orange to reddish-purple
when it is ripe. Do not consume it until it has matured fully and you’ll know
when it is ripe as the fruits will fall to the ground. Those who try to eat the
fruits before they are ready learn their lesson as the bitter and astringent
tannins will pucker up their mouths in a very unpleasant way.
The fruit is difficult to store and transport so you will
not commonly find it for sale. If you are lucky enough to gather enough, it is
used to make syrups, jellies, and puddings.
Persimmons are also consumed by birds, deer, raccoon,
opossum, and fox.
The tree can be propagated from seeds or root cuttings. Due
to its deep tap root, it is difficult to move or transplant it once it is established.
American Persimmon Tree: You Can Grow That!
The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine as part of our Plant Profile series for Mid-Atlantic USA gardeners.
Audio and text by Kathy Jentz
Video and editing by Brandie Bland
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