Diospyros virginiana, commonly known as American Persimmon, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the eastern and central U.S. It is beloved for its flavorful, orange fruit that ripens in fall and is enjoyed by both people and wildlife. Growing 35 to 60 feet tall and 20 to 35 feet wide, this native tree features dark green summer foliage that turns a warm golden hue in autumn. Its fragrant, inconspicuous flowers attract pollinators, and the sweet fruit provides an important food source for birds and mammals. American Persimmon is a resilient, low-maintenance tree well-suited to naturalized plantings, edible landscapes, and habitat gardens.

Why choose American Persimmon:

• Edible native fruit: Produces sweet, orange persimmons that ripen in fall

• Wildlife value: Supports pollinators, birds, and mammals with flowers and fruit

• Low-maintenance tree: Tolerates drought, clay soil, and a range of site conditions

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Best in full sun for optimal fruit production

• Soil needs: Prefers well-drained soil but highly adaptable to a range of soils

• Maintenance: Minimal; prune in winter if needed to shape or remove deadwood

Designs for your garden:

• Edible landscapes: Excellent for food forests or native fruit orchards

• Wildlife gardens: Provides year-round ecological value and seasonal food

• Naturalized plantings: Blends beautifully into meadow or woodland-edge settings

Ecological benefits:

• Native species: Supports a variety of pollinators and serves as a larval host plant

• Fruit for wildlife: Ripe persimmons feed deer, foxes, raccoons, and birds

• Sustainable choice: Deep-rooted, long-lived, and tolerant of native growing conditions