American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

American Persimmon, also known as Diospyros virginiana, common persimmon, ‘possumwood, and simmon, is a native North American fruit tree offering a unique, sweet flavor unlike any other. This remarkable tree provides not only delicious fruit but also stunning fall foliage and valuable wildlife habitat.

At Gardencenterpoint.com, we help gardeners like you discover the joys of cultivating unique and rewarding plants. This guide will provide everything you need to know about successfully growing and harvesting American Persimmons, including best planting practices, and optimal American Persimmon tree care. We believe it offers valuable insights, whether you want to know where can i buy American persimmon seedlings or just want a few American Persimmon recipes.

Why should you grow a American Persimmon?

The American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly those who grew up foraging for these sweet treats in the autumn woods. The memory of biting into a perfectly ripe persimmon, its custardy texture and honey-like sweetness, is a powerful sensory experience. But for many, the American Persimmon remains a somewhat mysterious fruit, often overlooked in favor of more common grocery store offerings. This is a shame, because this native fruit is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, packed with nutrients, and surprisingly easy to grow.

Beyond the delightful taste, the American Persimmon tree itself is a beautiful addition to any landscape. Its glossy green leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall, providing a spectacular display. The tree’s attractive bark and graceful form add visual interest throughout the year. And for wildlife enthusiasts, the American Persimmon is a vital food source for birds, deer, and other animals, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.

My own first encounter with American Persimmons was on my grandfather’s farm. He had a single, ancient persimmon tree at the edge of the woods, and every fall, we would eagerly await the first frost, knowing that it signaled the time when the persimmons would finally be sweet and ready to eat. He taught me the crucial difference between a ripe and an unripe persimmon – a lesson learned the hard way with a mouth-puckeringly astringent experience! That early experience sparked a lifelong fascination with this often-underappreciated fruit.

American Persimmons Profile and Characteristics

Common name	American Persimmon, Common Persimmon, ‘Possumwood, Simmon
Botanical name	Diospyros virginiana
Family	Ebenaceae (Ebony Family)
Genus	Diospyros
Species	virginiana
Origin	North America
Native	Southeastern United States
Life cycle	Perennial
Plant type	Deciduous Tree
Hardiness zone	4-9 (USDA Hardiness Zones)
Sunlight	Full Sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) to Partial Shade (4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Maintenance	Low to Moderate
Water	Moderate
Drainage	Well-Drained
Spacing	15-25 feet apart. Dwarf varieties can be planted closer together
Flowering period	Late Spring to Early Summer
Height	30-70 feet at maturity. Dwarf varieties 10-15 feet.
Growth rate	Moderate. Typically grows 1-2 feet per year
Flower color	Creamy White to Pale Yellow
Stem color	Young stems are often reddish-brown, turning gray-brown with age. The bark develops a distinctive blocky pattern as the tree matures.
Flower benefit	Attracts pollinators
Garden style	edible landscapes, wildlife gardens, and naturalized areas

• Botanical Classification: Diospyros virginiana belongs to the Ebenaceae (Ebony) family.
• Native Range: Eastern and Central United States, from Connecticut to Florida and west to Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
• Growth Habit: Deciduous tree, typically reaching 30-60 feet in height, but can grow taller under ideal conditions.
• Foliage: Glossy green leaves that turn vibrant colors in the fall.
• Flowers: Small, bell-shaped, creamy white flowers that bloom in late spring. American Persimmon trees are usually dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees. You will need both a male and a female tree for fruit production unless you plant a self-pollinating variety.
• Fruit: Round or oval berries, 1-2 inches in diameter, that ripen from green to orange or reddish-purple in the fall. The fruit is notoriously astringent until fully ripe, due to high tannin content.
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

American Persimmon Varieties

There are numerous American Persimmon cultivars, each with slightly different characteristics. Here’s a table summarizing some popular choices:

Variety	Size (feet)	Fruit Size	Ripening Time	Flavor Notes	Astringency	Notes
‘Meader’	20-30	Medium	Early	Sweet, rich	Astringent	Self-pollinating, very cold-hardy
‘Yates’	30-40	Medium	Early	Very Sweet	Astringent	Cold-hardy
‘Early Golden’	30-50	Medium	Early	Sweet, mild	Astringent	Reliable producer, good for northern climates
‘Prok’	30-40	Large	Mid-season	Very sweet, excellent flavor	Astringent	One of the largest and best-tasting
‘Ruby’	30-40	Medium	Late	Sweet, with a hint of spice	Astringent	Cold-hardy, good for the south
‘John Rick’	20-30	Medium	Mid-season	Sweet	Astringent

Choosing the Right Variety

• Climate: Consider your USDA Hardiness Zone and select a variety known to thrive in your region.
• Pollination: Most American Persimmons require a male and female tree for pollination. However, some varieties, like ‘Meader,’ are self-pollinating.
• Fruit Size and Flavor: Consider your preferences for fruit size and taste.
• Ripening Time: If you have a short growing season, choose an early-ripening variety.

Planting American Persimmon Tree

• Timing: Plant bare-root trees in late winter or early spring. Container-grown trees can be planted throughout the growing season, but avoid planting during extreme heat.
• Location: Choose a site with full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) and well-drained soil. American Persimmons tolerate a wide range of soil types, but they prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
• Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
• Planting Depth: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Gently loosen the roots before placing the tree in the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
• Spacing: Space trees 20-30 feet apart, depending on the variety and desired size.
• Watering: Water deeply after planting and regularly throughout the first growing season, especially during dry periods.
• Mulching: Add the area around the base of the tree, keep it a good distance away from the trunk.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide:

1. Select Your Tree: Choose a healthy tree from a reputable nursery (Gardencenterpoint.com can help you find one near you!).
2. Prepare the Site: Clear the area of weeds and grass. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
3. Amend the Soil: Mix compost or other organic matter into the soil you removed from the hole.
4. Plant the Tree: Gently remove the tree from its container (if applicable) and loosen any circling roots. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the ground.
5. Backfill the Hole: Fill the hole with the amended soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets.
6. Water Thoroughly: Water the tree deeply to settle the soil.
7. Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it away from the trunk.

Ongoing Care for American Persimmon Tree

• Watering: Once established, American Persimmons are relatively drought-tolerant. However, they will benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods, especially when the fruit is developing.
• Fertilizing: Young trees may benefit from a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Older trees generally don’t require much fertilization, especially if the soil is rich in organic matter. A soil test can help determine if fertilization is needed.
• Pruning: Prune young trees to establish a strong central leader and well-spaced branches. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Mature trees require minimal pruning.
• Pest and Disease Control: American Persimmons are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can occasionally be affected by:
  • Persimmon Borer: This insect bores into the trunk and branches, causing damage. Monitor for signs of infestation (sawdust-like frass) and consult with your local extension office for control recommendations.
  • Webworms: These caterpillars create webs in the branches and feed on the leaves. Handpick them or use a strong spray of water to remove them.
  • Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Good air circulation and proper sanitation (removing fallen leaves) can help prevent leaf spot.
• Protecting from Animals: Deer and other animals may browse on young trees. Protect them with tree guards or fencing.

Detailed Pruning Guide:

• Year 1: Select a strong central leader and remove any competing branches. Prune back side branches to encourage outward growth.
• Year 2: Continue to train the central leader and select 3-4 well-spaced scaffold branches. Remove any branches that are growing too close together or crossing.
• Year 3+: Prune primarily to remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Maintain the desired shape and size of the tree.

Harvesting and Enjoying American Persimmons

• Determining Ripeness: This is the most crucial aspect of enjoying American Persimmons. Unripe fruit is incredibly astringent due to high tannin levels. Ripe fruit will be:
  • Soft to the Touch: Gently squeeze the fruit; it should yield to pressure.
  • Deeply Colored: The color will vary depending on the variety, but it should be a rich orange or reddish-purple.
  • Slightly Wrinkled: The skin may start to wrinkle slightly.
  • Easily Detached: Ripe fruit will often fall from the tree with a gentle touch.
• The Frost Myth: While a frost can help soften persimmons, it’s not required for ripening. The key is time and maturity. Persimmons ripen fully after they mature on the tree, and this process can take several weeks, even months.
• Harvesting Methods: You can pick ripe persimmons directly from the tree or collect them from the ground after they fall.
• Storage: Ripe persimmons can be stored at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the pulp.

Processing Persimmons:

• Removing Astringency: If you accidentally pick a slightly unripe persimmon, you can try to speed up the ripening process by placing it in a paper bag with a ripe apple or banana. The ethylene gas produced by the other fruit will help soften the persimmon.
• Freezing Pulp: The easiest way to preserve persimmons is to freeze the pulp. Simply scoop out the pulp from ripe persimmons and freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Drying: Persimmons can also be dried, either whole or sliced. Use a food dehydrator or a low oven temperature.

Culinary Uses of American Persimmons

Ripe American Persimmon pulp has a unique, sweet flavor that can be used in a variety of ways:

• Fresh Eating: Enjoy ripe persimmons as a delicious and nutritious snack.
• Puddings and Pies: Persimmon pudding is a classic American dessert. The pulp can also be used in pies, cakes, and breads.
• Jams and Jellies: Persimmon jam or jelly is a flavorful spread for toast or biscuits.
• Smoothies and Ice Cream: Add persimmon pulp to smoothies or use it to make homemade ice cream.
• Savory Dishes: Persimmon pulp can also be used in savory dishes, such as sauces for meat or poultry.

Recipe: Classic American Persimmon Pudding

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ripe American Persimmon pulp
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the persimmon pulp, sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.
5. Pour the batter into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Difference between Japanese Persimmons and American Persimmons

While both American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana) and Japanese persimmons (Diospyros kaki) belong to the same genus and share the name “persimmon,” they are distinct species with significant differences that impact their cultivation, flavor, and use. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for choosing the right persimmon for your garden and culinary needs. At Gardencenterpoint, we want to clarify these differences to guide you in making informed decisions.

Here’s a detailed comparison, presented in a way that’s easy to understand and digest:

Feature	American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)	Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki)
Origin	Native to Eastern and Central North America	Native to China, Japan, and Korea
Size (Tree)	Typically 30-60 feet, can reach over 100 feet	Typically 20-30 feet, rarely exceeding 40 feet
Size (Fruit)	Smaller, 1-2 inches in diameter	Larger, 2-4 inches in diameter, some varieties even larger
Shape (Fruit)	Round or oval	Variable, from round to acorn-shaped to flattened (tomato-like)
Color (Ripe Fruit)	Orange to reddish-purple	Orange to red
Texture (Ripe Fruit)	Very soft, custard-like	Varies: Astringent types are soft when ripe; Non-astringent types can be eaten firm
Flavor (Ripe Fruit)	Rich, sweet, often described as honey-like or caramel-like	Sweet, varies depending on variety; some have hints of spice or apricot
Astringency	Highly astringent until fully ripe (due to high tannins)	Two main types: Astringent (must be fully soft to eat) and Non-astringent (can be eaten firm)
Cold Hardiness	More cold-hardy (USDA Zones 4-9)	Less cold-hardy (USDA Zones 7-10, some varieties to Zone 6)
Pollination	Usually dioecious (separate male and female trees needed)	Mostly self-pollinating, but some varieties benefit from cross-pollination
Common Uses	Primarily eaten fresh, used in puddings, jams, and other desserts	Eaten fresh, dried, used in a wide variety of dishes
Availability	Less common in grocery stores, often found at farmers markets or grown at home	More readily available in grocery stores, especially during the fall and winter
Cultivars	‘Meader’, ‘Yates’, ‘Early Golden’, ‘Prok’, ‘Ruby’	‘Fuyu’, ‘Hachiya’, ‘Jiro’

Key Distinctions:

• Astringency: This is the most significant difference for most people. American persimmons must be fully ripe and soft before they lose their mouth-puckering astringency. Japanese persimmons come in two types:
  • Astringent Varieties (e.g., ‘Hachiya’): These behave similarly to American persimmons – they are incredibly astringent until completely soft and ripe.
  • Non-Astringent Varieties (e.g., ‘Fuyu’): These are a game-changer! They can be eaten crisp, like an apple, even when they are not fully soft. They have minimal to no astringency.
• Cold Hardiness: American persimmons are much more tolerant of cold winters than Japanese persimmons. This makes them a better choice for gardeners in colder climates.
• Size: American persimmon trees and fruit are generally smaller than their Japanese counterparts.
• Pollination: While most Japanese persimmons are self-fruitful, meaning they don’t require a separate pollinator tree, American persimmons usually require both a male and a female tree to produce fruit (with the exception of self-pollinating cultivars like ‘Meader’).
• Taste: While both are sweet when ripe, the flavor profiles differ. American persimmons often have a richer, more complex flavor, sometimes described as having notes of caramel or honey. Japanese persimmons have a more straightforward sweetness, with subtle variations between varieties.

Which Persimmon is Right for You?

• Choose American Persimmons if:
  • You live in a colder climate (USDA Zones 4-9).
  • You enjoy a rich, complex flavor and don’t mind waiting for the fruit to fully ripen.
  • You want a tree that is native to North America and provides excellent wildlife habitat.
  • You are interested in a potentially larger, longer-lived tree.
• Choose Japanese Persimmons if:
  • You live in a warmer climate (USDA Zones 7-10, possibly 6 with protection).
  • You prefer the convenience of being able to eat the fruit crisp (non-astringent varieties).
  • You want a smaller, more manageable tree.
  • You want fruit that is more readily available in stores.

Gardencenterpoint’s Recommendation:

We encourage you to consider both! If your climate allows, growing both American and Japanese persimmons can provide a longer harvest season and a greater variety of flavors. We can help you find the best varieties of each type for your specific needs and connect you with local nurseries that offer them. Explore our resources to learn more about specific cultivars and their characteristics. Don’t hesitate to delve into our other plant guides to discover even more exciting additions to your garden. We believe the best garden is a diverse garden, filled with plants that bring you joy and nourishment. And remember, our network of local garden centers is ready to assist you with your plant selections and provide expert advice tailored to your region.

Further Exploration

At Gardencenterpoint.com, we’re committed to helping you succeed in your gardening journey. We’ve provided a comprehensive guide to American Persimmons, but the learning doesn’t stop here.

• Find a Local Nursery: We can connect you with reputable nurseries in your area that sell American Persimmon trees. Buying locally ensures you get a tree that’s well-suited to your climate and growing conditions. Click here to find a nursery near you! (This would be a link to an affiliate page or a directory of nurseries).
• Explore Other Fruit Trees: If you’re interested in growing your own fruit, we have guides and resources for a wide variety of fruit trees, from apples and pears to peaches and plums. Discover more fruit tree options here! (Link to a relevant category page).
• Join Our Community: Connect with other gardeners, share your experiences, and ask questions in our online forum. Join the Gardencenterpoint community! (Link to a forum or social media group).
• Further Reading and Resources:
  • Your local Cooperative Extension Service: A wealth of information on gardening in your specific region.
  • The North American Fruit Explorers (NAFEX): An organization dedicated to the discovery, cultivation, and appreciation of unusual fruits.
  • University of Missouri Extension: American Persimmon. Retrieved from https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6005
  • Purdue University Consumer Horticulture: Persimmon. Retrieved from https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/persimmon/

Explore our other plant guides: We have detailed guides on various other fascinating plants, such as Pawpaw, Serviceberry, and Mayhaw. Learn about their unique characteristics and how to cultivate them in your garden.

Check out our gardening tool reviews: We provide unbiased reviews of essential gardening tools and equipment to help you make informed purchasing decisions. Find the best tools for your gardening needs here!.

Remember, Gardencenterpoint.com is more than just a website; it’s a community. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from choosing the right plants to troubleshooting problems and celebrating your successes. We believe that everyone can experience the joy of gardening, and we’re dedicated to providing the resources and connections you need to make it happen. Let’s grow together! We encourage you to visit our other resources, connect with local suppliers through our network, and continue your gardening journey with confidence.