Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

Common Persimmon

Also known as: Eastern Persimmon, Possumwood, Possum apples

Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a deciduous tree native to the eastern parts of North America. Its edible fruits are high in vitamin C and readily eaten by wildlife. Seeds of common Persimmon can be roasted and used as an alternative to coffee; leaves can be dried and used as a tea.

Scientific classification

Species

Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Fall, Winter

Harvest Time

10 m to 18 m

Plant Height

7 m to 8 m

Spread

Green, Yellow

Leaf Color

1 cm to 2 cm

Flower Size

Red, Orange, Burgundy, Yellow, Gold, Pink

Fruit Color

Yellow, White, Green

Flower Color

Red, Brown, Gray, Silver, Burgundy

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Common Persimmon

Attributes of Common Persimmon

Growth Rate

With a slow growth rate, common Persimmon develops gradually throughout its spring and summer active growing seasons. This slow pace favors the thickening of its bark and facilitates robust leaf production, contributing to the plant's resilience. The slow growth also results in compact, well-anchored root systems. Although the rate may intensify in late spring, it constantly returns to a steady, slow progression.

Distribution of Common Persimmon

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry woods, old fields, clearings

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is an uncommon but rewarding choice of garden fruit tree. Its main appeal is its delicious and unusual fruit but the off-white flowers and leaves that change color in fall add garden appeal. Common Persimmon makes a good accent tree or orchard grower and attracts bees, moths, and other animals. These trees grow best on their own, or in an orchard of the same species. You can partner it with trumpet vine, summersweet, or mock orange.

Symbolism

Things (will) go smoothly, good fortune, harmony, familial joy

Interesting Facts

Humans should not consume common Persimmon because they run the risk of creating a phytobezoar in their stomachs, or a mass of indigestible plant material. This mass stays stagnant in the intestines and creates gastrointestinal problems. In addition, during the American Civil War, common Persimmon seeds were sometimes used as buttons for coats.

Name Story

Common persimmon: Persimmon is derived from putchamin, pasiminan, or pessamin, meaning "a dry fruit", probably because people like to season its fruit for storage. As it is the most common fruit tree of this genus, it is called common persimmon.

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Toxicity

Common Persimmon poses mild toxicity risks to both cats and dogs, particularly when unripe fruit is consumed in large amounts, causing gastrointestinal upset. Human consumption of unripe fruit or leaves leads to severe gastric issues due to high tannin content. Ripe fruit is generally safe but should be kept away from children and monitored pets. Immediate veterinary care is advised if poisoning occurs.

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Quickly Identify Common Persimmon

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

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

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

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

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

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Care Guide for Common Persimmon

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Common Persimmon thrives in moderate moisture, requiring watering once every 1-2 weeks. It tolerates brief dryness but not prolonged drought. Water uptake decreases during winter dormancy when it conserves energy. Understanding these habits ensures healthy growth and adaptation to varying seasonal conditions.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, common Persimmon requires balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at 1 pound per inch of trunk diameter, applied annually in late winter or early spring. Avoid over-fertilization, water thoroughly after application, and adjust fertilization based on growth stage and soil conditions for best results.

Pruning: Common Persimmon thrives with late winter pruning, focusing on dead or diseased branches to enhance air circulation and sunlight. Thinning the canopy and controlling growth promote overall health, improving fruit quality while reducing disease risks. This timing reduces stress, supporting robust spring growth.

Propagation: Common Persimmon, a resilient North American fruit tree, thrives in diverse conditions. Successful propagation occurs through semi-hardwood cuttings using rooting hormone, preferably during juvenile stages. Consistent moisture and dappled sunlight are crucial for establishing cuttings until rooted.

Repotting: Repot common Persimmon every 2-3 years in early spring using a deep container for its taproot. Ensure sufficient sunlight and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. A well-draining potting mix promotes recovery and supports common Persimmon's growth.

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Images of Common Persimmon

Attributes of Common Persimmon

Distribution of Common Persimmon

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Common Persimmon

Care Guide for Common Persimmon

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