American Persimmon
Diospyros virginiana · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Ebenaceae
Tree Category
Fruit and Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type (species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9
About This Tree
A medium-sized deciduous tree with a rounded to irregular crown, featuring drooping branches and distinctive round, orange-to-plum colored edible fruits hanging from the twigs in autumn
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple, elliptical to ovate leaves, 2 to 6 inches long, dark green above and paler beneath with smooth margins
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to almost black bark, deeply furrowed into small, square, scaly plates often described as resembling alligator hide
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the eastern and south-central United States
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring, flowers in early summer, fruits ripen in autumn, drops leaves and enters dormancy in late autumn
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun, moderate watering needs with good drought tolerance once established, adapts to various soil moisture levels
Mature Size
Reaches a height of 35 to 60 feet with a spread of 20 to 35 feet, slow to moderate growth rate
Special Characteristics
Produces sweet edible fruits after frost, highly durable hardwood, good drought tolerance and distinctive blocky bark
Wildlife & Ecology
Fruits are heavily consumed by a wide variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, foxes, and numerous bird species