Ebenaceae

American persimmon

Diospyros virginiana

Synonyms

Diospyros mosieri

Other Common Names

common persimmon, possum apples, possumwood, eastern persimmon

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

30-80 ft. tall
20-35 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Cold moist stratify seed for 30-60 days. Plants grow slowly from seed and may not produce fruit for 4-9 years.

Plant Planting Notes

Does not transplant well due to deep taproot.

Plants/Diseases

Leaf spot is common, but does not effect the overall health of the tree.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves alternate, elliptical, oblong, or ovate with entire to serrate margins.

Flowers

White to greenish bell-shaped flowers.

Fruit

Globular orange to red berry.

Bark

Young stems zig-zag. Older trunks are dark gray and deeply furrowed with square plates.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Fruit is edible once soft.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Various dry habitats including forests and woodlands along with longleaf pine sandhills. May also be found in disturbed places such as fencerows and roadsides. Sometimes found in floodplain forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina.