Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

The persimmon tree is best grown in full sun or partial shade(4-6 light hours daily) in a moist and well drained soil condition.  They do perfer moist soils but are resistant to the occasional drought. 

Growth Habit/Description:

Medium-sized tree up to 35-60ft tall and 20-35ft wide. It can be considered either a medium or a large tree depending on the growth of the specific tree. The leaves are decidcous, alternate, and 2-6in long and 1-3in wide.  The leaves are broad and shiny with a somewhat leathery feel. and  shrub up to 6’ in height and 4-6’ wide with alternate trifoliate leaves.  A relatively slow growing tree, reacting matury at around age 10. Only the females fruit but both bloom. Females bloom revealing singular pale yellow flowers. The male blooms ocassionaly with clusters of 2 or more flowers on one axil.

Bloom Season:

The persimmon produces pale yellow flowers in late spring/early summer around may. The females will fruit in fall. 

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Yes.  The leaves will turn into a bright orange color before falling, making it an attractive tree during the fall. If the tree is a female and fertilized, it will produce sweet orange fruits. While this tree is decidous, it is a sight during the fall. 

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  The persimmon tree is a host for the pale green Luna moth and another 28 species are frequent in eating the tree.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   The leaves and twigs are browsed by deer.  Fruit provide winter food for birds and other wildlife. The flowers are a good food source for multiple species of native bees.  The fruit is a food source for numerous animals, some being deer, raccoons, possums, squirrels, foxes, coyotes, and quail. This is ultimately an extremely valuable plant as it is a food source to several native animal and insect communties.

Origin of Name:  Derived from Powhatan in south-eastern United States meaning "dry fruit".

Related Plant Species:   Persimmon is a close relative to the ebony tree (Diospyros ebenum) as they are both part of the Ebenaceae plant family.   

Use For Food/Medicine:

Persimmon has been used as a astringent for veneral diseases and a wash for piles. The bark was chewed on repeatedly to help treat heartburn. Cold water was poured over the bark to help bile production and served as a tea for liver health. 

• MDC. Year. Discover nature: Field guide persimmon. Missouri Department of Conservation. [cited 2023 09 11]. Available from: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/persimmon#:~:text=Persimmon%20is%20a%20medium%2Dsized,Somewhat%20leathery.

• Morton Arboretum. Plant and protect: Trees and plants persimmon. Morton Arboretum. [cited 2023 09 11]. Available from: https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/persimmon/

• ODNR. Year. Discover and learn: Broad leaf trees persimmon (Diospyros virginiana). Ohio Department of Natural Resources. [cited 2023 09 11]. Available from: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/broad-leaf-trees/persimmon-diospyros-virginiana#:~:text=Persimmon%20(Diospyros%20virginiana)%20is%20native,in%20terms%20of%20cold%20hardiness.

• Georgia Wildlife. Year. Out my backdoor: Persimmon - the forgotten wildlife food plant. Georgia Wildlife Resources Division. [cited 2023 09 11]. Available from: https://georgiawildlife.com/out-my-backdoor-persimmon-forgotten-wildlife-food-plant#:~:text=The%20persimmon%20is%20an%20important,other%20wildlife%20species%20eat%20persimmons.

• Glen Arboretum. Year. Home: Common persimmon. Towson University Glen Arboretum. [cited 2023 09 11]. Available from: https://wp.towson.edu/glenarboretum/home/common-persimmon/#:~:text=Wildlife%20importance,possums%20and%20quail%202%2C4

Last edited by Samantha Pruitt, 9/23.