Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

Persimmon is slender tree, mature height 15’ – 30’, width 20′ to 35′. The fragrant flowers, white to yellow, are hidden by half-grown leaves and attract honeybees.  The 1-2″ fruits attract wildlife.

Persimmon is dioecious, meaning pollen producing and pollen receiveing flowers are held on separate plants, although sometimes both types of flowers are held on the same plant.  There is no way to until they flower, so it is best to plant at least all five in the bundle in close proximity of one another, within 30 feet, to have the best chance of fruit developing.   It can take a long time-usually around 7 years for American persimmon to bear fruit.  The edible deep orange persimmon ripens after several frosts.

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Somewhat wide range of soil tolerance, but prefers moist, sandy soils. Drought tolerant. Promptly remove root suckers unless naturalized effect is desired.Not native to Massachusetts but most of the Eastern US, extending as far north as southern Connecticut, as well as New York state.

18-24″ bare root seedlings.

Photo Credit: Franklin Bonner, USFS (ret.), Bugwood.org