Diospyros virginiana, commonly known as American Persimmon, is a hardy deciduous fruiting tree native to the eastern United States. It features glossy oval leaves that turn vibrant orange and red in fall and produces fragrant pale yellow flowers in spring. Its late season orange fruits are sweet and rich when fully ripe often persisting on branches after leaf drop providing winter interest and wildlife value.
Height & Spread: 35 - 60 ft x 20 - 35 ft
Bloom Time: Late spring
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Tolerant of a wide range; prefers moist, well drained loam
Watering Needs: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Moderate; fruit may attract wildlife
Native Status
Native to the southeastern and midwestern United States, Diospyros virginiana is an important native tree for both ecological and edible landscapes.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Flowers attract native bees including sweat bees (Halictidae) and small carpenter bees (Ceratina) in late spring.
Butterflies
- Host plant for the caterpillars of the Luna Moth and Hickory Horned Devil which eventually becomes the Regal Moth.
Birds
- Fruits attract songbirds including American Robins, Northern Flickers, and Cedar Waxwings in fall and early winter.
Mammals
- Persimmons are highly sought by foxes, raccoons, opossums, and deer especially after the first frost softens the fruit.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Allow 20 - 35 ft spacing to accommodate mature canopy and fruit drop zone.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for naturalized settings, edible landscapes, or as a wildlife supporting focal tree in open lawns or woodland edges.
Companion Plants
- Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern Sea Oats) - Ornamental native grass with graceful seed heads that persist through winter beneath the canopy.
- Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (Calico Aster) - Late blooming aster that attracts beneficial insects and naturalizes well under tree shade.
- Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush) - Rounded white blooms and tolerance of moist soils make this an excellent understory pairing for wetter sites.
- Amorpha fruticosa (False Indigo Bush) - Nitrogen fixing native shrub that enhances soil health while providing textural contrast beneath fruiting trees.
- Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) - Offers bright orange blooms and supports Monarchs while tolerating the dry edges of persimmon root zones.