Diospyros virginiana (American Persimmon)
Small to Medium Deciduous Tree | Eastern North American Native | Wildlife Magnet | Edible & Ecological
Highlights for Native Plant Enthusiasts:
Produces sweet, soft orange fruits relished by foxes, raccoons, opossums, deer, and wild turkeys
Host plant for native insects, including the Luna Moth and various leafhopper species
Fragrant summer flowers attract bees and pollinators
Dioecious—male and female trees support diverse habitat roles
Glossy green leaves turn golden-yellow to reddish-purple in fall
Thrives in fields, thickets, woodland edges, and old-field succession sites
Growing Information:
Height: 30–60 ft | Spread: 20–35 ft
Soil: Adaptable—tolerates clay, dry soils, and poor fertility; prefers well-drained loam
Light: Full sun to part shade
Type: Deciduous fruiting tree
Sex: Dioecious— male and female flowers on separate trees, only female trees grow fruit
Pollination: Not self fertile. Plant multiple individuals for fruit production
Why Native Growers Love It:
Diospyros virginiana brings delicious fruit and deep ecological value together in one beautiful, rugged native tree. From its nectar-bearing flowers to its late-season fruit drop, it provides food throughout the growing season for a variety of wildlife—and humans, too.
It’s ideal for food forests, old-field restoration, savanna-style plantings, or backyard habitat where you want low-maintenance, native productivity. With its deep taproot and drought resistance, it’s also a great candidate for climate-resilient landscapes.
Diospyros virginiana (American Persimmon)
Small to Medium Deciduous Tree | Eastern North American Native | Wildlife Magnet | Edible & Ecological
Highlights for Native Plant Enthusiasts:
Produces sweet, soft orange fruits relished by foxes, raccoons, opossums, deer, and wild turkeys
Host plant for native insects, including the Luna Moth and various leafhopper species
Fragrant summer flowers attract bees and pollinators
Dioecious—male and female trees support diverse habitat roles
Glossy green leaves turn golden-yellow to reddish-purple in fall
Thrives in fields, thickets, woodland edges, and old-field succession sites
Growing Information:
Height: 30–60 ft | Spread: 20–35 ft
Soil: Adaptable—tolerates clay, dry soils, and poor fertility; prefers well-drained loam
Light: Full sun to part shade
Type: Deciduous fruiting tree
Sex: Dioecious— male and female flowers on separate trees, only female trees grow fruit
Pollination: Not self fertile. Plant multiple individuals for fruit production
Why Native Growers Love It:
Diospyros virginiana brings delicious fruit and deep ecological value together in one beautiful, rugged native tree. From its nectar-bearing flowers to its late-season fruit drop, it provides food throughout the growing season for a variety of wildlife—and humans, too.
It’s ideal for food forests, old-field restoration, savanna-style plantings, or backyard habitat where you want low-maintenance, native productivity. With its deep taproot and drought resistance, it’s also a great candidate for climate-resilient landscapes.
