treeN. America Native

American Persimmon

Diospyros virginiana

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

540 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Eastern and Central United States

Toxicity

Unripe fruit is highly astringent; leaves and seeds mildly toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Diospyros virginiana, the American persimmon, is a hardy and adaptable deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. It is known for its distinctive blocky bark, attractive foliage, and sweet, edible fruits that ripen in the fall. The tree's most notable feature is its fruit, which is extremely astringent when unripe but becomes rich and sweet after a frost. It is a dioecious species, meaning male and female flowers are on separate trees, and a female tree needs a nearby male for pollination and fruit production (though some cultivars are self-fertile).

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

American persimmon is a handsome tree with a rounded crown, glossy green leaves that turn attractive shades of yellow-orange in fall, and deeply fissured, blocky bark that provides winter interest. It has a picturesque, rugged character.

The primary practical use is its delicious, sweet fruit, which can be eaten fresh or used in baking, puddings, and preserves. The wood is very hard and dense, historically used for making golf club heads and textile shuttles.

The tree is a wildlife magnet. The fragrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The fruit is a favorite food for a wide range of animals, including raccoons, opossums, foxes, deer, and various birds. It is also a larval host for the Luna moth.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun for best fruit production.
The tree is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers good drainage.
Dig a deep hole to accommodate the taproot.
Carefully place the tree in the hole without damaging the root system.
Backfill with soil and water deeply.
Keep consistently moist for the first year to encourage establishment.

Pro Tip

For fruit production, plant at least one male tree for every three to five female trees, or choose a self-pollinating cultivar.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for optimal growth and fruiting.
Be patient; trees can take several years to begin bearing fruit.
Allow fruit to ripen fully on the tree for the best flavor.
Clean up fallen fruit to prevent attracting pests.
Appreciate the unique, alligator-like bark.

Don't

Don't attempt to transplant mature trees due to their deep taproot.
Avoid eating the fruit before it is fully ripe and soft; it is incredibly astringent.
Don't plant in a location where falling fruit will be a nuisance on patios or walkways.
Avoid excessive fertilization, which is generally unnecessary.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent native tree for naturalized areasFood source in wildlife gardens and edible landscapesDurable shade tree for difficult sites

Companion Plants

Asimina triloba Sambucus canadensis Schizachyrium scoparium Monarda fistulosa Carya illinoinensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

American Persimmon questions

What zones can American Persimmon grow in?

American Persimmon is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is American Persimmon deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse American Persimmon, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does American Persimmon bloom?

American Persimmon typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does American Persimmon need full sun?

American Persimmon does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is American Persimmon drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), American Persimmon handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.