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Common Persimmon

How to identify Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

Common Persimmon, also known as Eastern Persimmon, Possumwood, Possum apples

Common Persimmon is a deciduous tree with a notable height, varying from 30 to 80 feet (9 to 24 meters) and a spread of 20 to 35 feet (6 to 10.5 meters). This species belongs to the Ebenaceae family. Its leaves are simple, with an elliptical shape and smooth edges. The bark of mature specimens typically exhibits deep, blocky ridges. During the blooming season, common Persimmon bears small, bell-shaped flowers. In the autumn, this species is recognized for its round, orange to purple fruits.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Common Persimmon

1

Deciduous tree, 30-80 feet (9-24 meters) tall, with elliptical leaves.

2

Globular berries, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm), yellow-orange with waxy bloom.

3

Distinctive bark with deep furrows forming blocky pattern like alligator skin.

4

Slender, zigzag stems with pubescent texture, light brown to gray in color.

5

Broadly oblong leaves, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, with dark veins.

Common PersimmonCommon PersimmonCommon PersimmonCommon PersimmonCommon Persimmon

Detailed Traits of Common Persimmon

Leaf Features

The leaves of common Persimmon are broadly oblong and pointed, measuring 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) long and 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) wide. They have a smooth or sometimes serrated edge, with an acuminate apex and rounded base. The lower surface is usually lighter in color and may have hairs, especially on young leaves. The fall color ranges from yellow to reddish-purple. Leaves feature a broad mid-rib and dark veins on the underside.

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Flower Features

The flowers of common Persimmon are small, ranging from white to greenish-yellow. Male flowers are tubular and bloom in clusters of 2 to 3, while female flowers are bell-shaped with 4 recurved petals appearing solitary. These fragrant flowers, approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in size, typically bloom from May to June.

Common Persimmon Flower image
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Stem Features

The stems of common Persimmon are characterized by their slender, zigzag branching pattern and pubescent texture. Initially, the branchlets are light reddish-brown and become pubescent. They range in color from light brown to ashy gray. The single, sessile buds are about 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) long, dark reddish to almost black, with two overlapping scales. There is no terminal bud present.

Common Persimmon Stem imageCommon Persimmon Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of common Persimmon is a globular berry, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) in size. These berries boast a vibrant yellowish to pale orange hue, often with a peach overtone, and a subtle, waxy bloom on the surface. As they mature in the fall season, from September through December, they transform from astringent to a palatable, overripe state. Their unique taste is among their notable features, along with their distinctive coloration and textural qualities.

Common Persimmon Fruit imageCommon Persimmon Fruit image
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Key Facts About Common Persimmon

Attributes of Common Persimmon
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
10 m to 18 m
Spread
7 m to 8 m
Leaf Color
Green
Yellow
Flower Size
1 cm to 2 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
White
Green
Fruit Color
Red
Orange
Burgundy
Yellow
Gold
Pink
Stem Color
Red
Brown
Gray
Silver
Burgundy
Leaf type
Deciduous
The Toxicity of Common Persimmon
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Scientific Classification of Common Persimmon

Family
Ebony
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Species
Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
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Distribution Map of Common Persimmon

Common Persimmon is native to the central and eastern United States and is also sometimes found on the West Coast. It grows primarily in light, sandy soils but can also thrive in bottomlands.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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