Diospyros virginiana #1 (American Persimmon)

American Persimmon, or Diospyros virginiana, is named “fruit of the gods” because of its luscious, sweet fruits. It is a beautiful, adaptable, and under-used tree in the landscape. They are dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers occur on separate plants, so one of each is necessary for fruit production. It takes about 5-7 years from seed for the trees to begin fruiting. The fruit will drop from the trees late in the year once it is ready and will be soft to the touch. If partially ripe fruits are shaken from the trees, they will likely need to ripen for a few additional weeks indoors.

American Persimmon trees are excellent for home orchards, planted as attractive specimen trees, or for naturalizing along forest margins or fencerows. The trees have a deep root system with a woody taproot, allowing for them to be planted under. The flowers have a sweet aroma, and the fruits are eaten by many mammals. The foliage is often browsed by deer, so protection is recommended until it grows taller than browsing height (about 6′). The caterpillars of the Luna Moth use this tree as a host plant.

• Part Sun, Full Sun
• Moist to Dry Soil (FAC)
• Acidic to Neutral pH
• 50′ Tall by 25′ Wide
• Oval-crowned, Deciduous Tree
• Dioecious
• Drought, Black Walnut tolerant
• Edible, Medicinal
• Ohio Native

Sources:
Native Trees, Shrubs, & Vines by William Cullina
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and James A. Duke
Peterson Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants Eastern/Central North America by Lee Allen Peterson
Missouri Botanical Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Illinois Wildflowers
The Morton Arboretum-Black Walnut Tolerance