Persimmon

Description: Typically a smaller to medium size tree, up to 60 feet tall. The bark is dark brown or dark gray deeply divided into plates. The bark of mature trees can look like the deep scales of an alligator. I have found younger fruiting trees that have not yet developed the scales yet. The bark's fissures are more vertical/longitudinal than horizontal. The leaves are ovate, toothless, and dark green in color. Leaves can grow 3 to 7 inches long. The top of the leaf is glossy, the bottom is soft and leathery.

The male has 3 flowers together pink and/or green tinge.

The female has a single/no grouping off white /cream color flower. I read that one should keep track of the trees as they may change sex/flower type.

Edible Parts: 2" golf ball-sized globed fruit. The fruit is ripe when it's a deep dark orange color or rotten-looking purple. Start looking for the fruit in late September but probably won't find any ripe until October. The unripe fruit is VERY OFFENSIVE TO EAT. "It will draw a man's mouth awry with much torment. However, when properly ripened, many think the persimmon derives its genus name Diospyros, or "food of the gods." - Capt. John Smith-Jamestown Colony.

The fruit is best when it is tree ripened but also can be ripened at home, unlike the Paw Paw. Mileage may vary, but I might just remove the skin on the ripe fruit for the best result. There is a very short 1-3 week fruit production season. The seeds can be roasted and ground for tea & coffee-like drink.

Notes: The trees can take about 10 years to mature enough to produce fruit. However, when fruit production starts it can be prolific, up to 75 lbs of fruit per tree.

As a survival pest control strategy, the leaves are shed earlier in the fall than other trees in the forest. Also, the spring leaves grow later than neighboring trees. The persimmon trees are dioecious, which mean male and female are required for fruit production. The flowers have four petals and can resemble a vase.

Contributor:

JRH