Diospyros virginiana (American Persimmon)

Diospyros virginiana is commonly called the American persimmon, common persimmon, eastern persimmon, possumwood, possum apples, or sugar plum. It ranges from southern Connecticut to Florida, and west to Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Iowa.

Thet ree is a deciduous with a spreading crown and pendulous branches clothed in glossy green, oval leaves, 15cm long. They turny ellow, pink or reddish-purple in the fall, creating a glorious display. In late springt to early summer, fragrant, bell-shaped, yellow flowers are hidden by the half-grown leaves.

They are followed by large, orange, edible fruits, up to 5cm across, that ripen in Autumn to an orange or reddish-purple color. They attract wildlife and may persist on the tree for weeks, resembling Christmas ornaments. Astringent when green, the persimmon fruit becomes sweet when mature and may be eaten off the tree. Fruits may also be used to make puddings, cakes, and beverages. With leaves and fruit gone in winter, the thick and dark-gray to almost black bark becomes more engaging with its deeply furrowed, checkered pattern.

Valued for its fruit and attraction to wildlife, American Persimmon is perfect as a specimen tree. Height 10-18m tall and Width 7-8m across.