American Persimmon is a medium-sized native tree typically growing 30–60 feet tall. It is commonly found in woodlands and open fields throughout the eastern United States.

The tree has dark, blocky bark (thick plates resembling alligator skin) and simple, oval-shaped leaves. In spring, it produces small, pale flowers, which develop into round fruits by fall.

The fruits ripen to a deep orange color and become sweet when fully mature, though they are very astringent (drying sensation) when unripe. Persimmon fruits are an important food source for wildlife. The leaves turn yellow to orange in autumn.

References

Diospyros virginiana (American Persimmon, Common Persimmon, Date Plum, Eastern Persimmon, Jove’s Fruit, Persimmon, Possum Apples, Possumwood, Simmon, Winter Plum) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). Plants.ces.ncsu.edu. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/diospyros-virginiana/

Words by Ben Hansen.  Photos by Sarah Cote. 2026