Plant of the Month: September, 1998

by Russell Stevens

Common Persimmon
Diospyros virginiana

Characteristics: Common Persimmon is a native, perennial, cool season, tree that can grow on almost any type of soil. It flowers in the spring and fruits mature as early as August or as late as February, depending on locality. Ripe fruit is yellow to orange to dark red in color and is very sweet with a high sugar content. Leaves are simple, alternate and entire with an ovate-oblong to elliptic shape. Leaf tips are usually pointed and leaf bases are usually rounded. Folklore says that when the ovary inside a persimmon seed is shaped like a spoon, a bad winter can be expected. When the ovary is shaped like a fork, a mild winter can be expected.

Area of Importance: Southeastern United States.

Attributes: Sometimes grows in the form of thickets, providing cover for wildlife and livestock. Turkey and several other species of birds, whitetailed deer, raccoon, opossums, coyotes and squirrels eat the fruit. Some people enjoy the ripe fruit which can also be made into bread, desserts, or wine.

Problems: Can act as an invader plant on some sites under poor grazing management. Persimmon is a deep-rooted tree, making management on rangeland difficult.

I.D. Tip: Persimmon often forms thickets. Leaves are dark green above and paler below. The bark is brown to black and has deep fissures broken into small square or rectangular sections.

Hundreds of plants are identified in the Noble Foundation Plant Image Gallery.