Simpson, Benny
Diospyros virginiana L.
Common persimmon, Eastern persimmon
Ebenaceae (Ebony Family)
In old fields, common persimmon is a low, shrubby
tree, 15 ft. tall. In rich, moist soil the species becomes a large
tree, up to 100 ft. tall, with a spreading crown and
pendulous branches. Bell-shaped, yellow flowers are hidden by half-grown leaves. Large,
oval, mature leaves usually become yellow-green in fall. The large, orange, edible
fruit attracts wildlife.
On old trunks the
bark is thick and dark-gray to almost black and broken into scaly, squarish blocks. Common persimmon is deciduous. Best-known by its sweet, orange
fruit in autumn.
When ripe, the sweet
fruit of Persimmon somewhat recalls the flavor of dates. Immature
fruit contains tannin and is strongly astringent. Persimmons are consumed fresh and are used to make puddings, cakes, and beverages. American Indians made persimmon bread and stored the dried
fruit like prunes. Opossums, raccoons, skunks, deer, and birds also feed upon the fruit. Principal uses of the wood are for golf-club heads, shuttles for textile weaving, and furniture veneer. The word persimmon is of Algonquian origin, while the
genus name Diospyros, from the Greek, means
fruit of the god Zeus.
Image Gallery:
8 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Leaf Retention: Deciduous Breeding System: Flowers
Unisexual ,
Dioecious Size Notes: 15-20
Leaf: Dark Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower: Flowers 1/2 inch
Fruit: Orange 2 inches long
Size Class: 36-72 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , Green
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , MD , MA , MS , MO , NE , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , UT , VA , WV , DC
Native Distribution: FL to e. TX, n. to CT, s. IN, s. IA & e. KS
Native Habitat: Dry woods; old fields; clearings
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Varibable, growing best in moist, rich soil. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Acid-based, Calcareous.
Conditions Comments: This
tree is valued for its
fruit and attraction to wildlife. Two trees are necessary for the production of fruit.
Fruit is not edible until exposed to frost or consistent low temperatures. Persimmon is adaptable to varying pH and soil moisture regimes and is usually free of disease or insect problems. Because of a deep root system, successful underplanting is possible.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Aromatic, Understory
tree, Accent
tree or
shrub, Erosion control, Fall conspicuous
Use Wildlife: The
fruit attracts a variety of wildlife. Fruit-birds, Fruit-mammals, Browse
Use Food: Deliciously sweet when ripe, these persimmons were the
native fruits most prized by indigenous people of the Southeast.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Diospyros virginiana is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2009-06-03
