American Persimmon 10 Seeds Diospyros virginiana

Diospyros virginiana, commonly known as the American Persimmon, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern and central United States, valued for its handsome form, resilient nature, and sweet, edible fruit. Typically reaching 30 to 60 feet in height, it develops a straight trunk with deeply furrowed, dark gray to black bark that forms distinctive square, blocklike ridges, giving the tree a rugged, ornamental appearance. The leaves are simple, oval, and glossy green during the growing season, turning shades of yellow, orange, and sometimes reddish-purple in autumn. In late spring, Diospyros virginiana produces small, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers—creamy white to pale yellow—that are typically dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees. The resulting fruits are round to oval, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, ripening to a rich orange color in late autumn after the first frost, when their high tannin content subsides and the flesh becomes sweet and flavorful. These persimmons are relished by wildlife, including deer, raccoons, opossums, and birds, while also prized by humans for use in puddings, jams, and baked goods. Adaptable to a wide range of soils, including poor, dry, or sandy sites, the American Persimmon thrives in full sun to partial shade and exhibits excellent drought tolerance once established. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, this tree is both ornamental and practical—its durable wood is historically valued for tool handles and golf club heads, and its fruit provides a vital food source late in the season. With its striking bark, colorful foliage, and delicious late-autumn bounty, Diospyros virginiana stands as a quintessentially American tree of enduring beauty and utility.