Persimmon is a robust understory tree, adaptable to all kinds of soils and sun conditions, and arguably our best-tasting native fruit. We suspect  that its lack of popularity stems from its deep taproot which, like many of the trees we are producing, make the American persimmon difficult to  move and transplant within typical nurseries practices.  

The genus name for the persimmon, Diospyros, means “Divine fruit” in greek, and the wildlife appears to agree. The persimmon fruit looks a  little like a peach or an orange-yellow plum, and attracts all the fruit-loving birds, including turkeys and jays, as well as our charismatic  mammals and humans. Thanks to that deep taproot, the American persimmon is also very drought tolerant once it’s established. It’s also part of  the Ebony family, and its gorgeous dark, alligator-skin bark takes center stage in winter after the leaves fall.  

Scientific Name: Diospyros virginiana (American/common persimmon). 

Hardiness Zone: 4–9. 

Sun Exposure needs: Full sun to partial shade (full sun preferred for best fruiting and ripening). 

Soil Type preference: Moist, well‑drained soils; highly adaptable to clay, loam, or sand and a wide pH range, but not waterlogged  sites. 

Growth Rate: Generally slow to medium, sometimes described as moderately fast once established. Height and Width at maturity: About 35–60 ft tall and 20–35 ft wide, occasionally taller on excellent sites. 

Flower Type: Small, fragrant, greenish‑white to yellowish, bell/urn‑shaped flowers in late spring; usually dioecious with separate  male and female trees. 

Fall Color: Yellow to orange, sometimes reddish‑purple, with variable but often attractive foliage.