American persimmon | Hardy Native Fruit Tree

Diospyros virginiana| American persimmon

 The wait for fruit is over!

Non Astringent: This variety of persimmon can be eaten when it is still firm and crisp. 

Plant Highlights:

• Growing Zone: 4-9
• Plant Brand: The Plant Factory Choice
• Botanical Name: Diospyros virginiana
• Foliage Color: Green
• Flower Color: Not significant
• Flower Fragrance: Yes
• Fall Color: Yes
• Type: Deciduous            
• Mature Height: 35-60'
• Mature Width: 25-35'
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Exposure: Sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Tolerant to many soils
• Water Needs: Occasionally after established, drought tolerant  
• Pruning Needs: Early spring trimming
• Awards:
• Grown by: The Plant Factory

Additional Highlights:

• Pollinator Friendly: Yes
• Deer Resistant: No
• Pet Friendly: Yes, remove seeds from fruit
• Reblooming: No
• Cold and Heat Tolerant: Yes very hardy tree
• Drought tolerant
• Native fruit tree

Diospyros virginiana, also known as the American persimmon, is a stunning native tree that delivers more than just delectable, edible, honey-sweet fruit—it provides four-season beauty, robust wildlife attraction, and a cold hardy, low-maintenance landscape presence for both novice and experienced gardeners. 

Outstanding Growth and Appearance

American persimmon boasts a broad, spreading crown with elegant, arching branches clothed in glossy green leaves through spring and summer. Its late spring to early summer blooms are white to greenish-white, bell-shaped, and subtly fragrant, nestled among the foliage. The blooms are not showy but are essential for pollinators, especially bees. By autumn, these leaves put on a vibrant display, turning shades of yellow, pink, or reddish-purple, offering remarkable seasonal interest.

The American persimmon tree matures at a commanding height of 35–60 feet with a width of 25–35 feet, though shorter specimens are common in home landscapes. Its deeply furrowed, dark-barked trunk lends winter interest after leaves and fruit fall away.

Fruit and Wildlife Appeal

Come fall, female American persimmon trees reward with large, round, orange fruits, 1.5 to 2 inches across. These persimmons ripen to a translucent orange or reddish-purple hue, lingering on the tree like festive ornaments. Astringent while green, the fruit mellows into jelly-soft, honeyed sweetness after a frost or countertop ripening. The fruit attracts all manner of wildlife, from birds to mammals, and can also be transformed into puddings, cakes, and beverages. For fruit harvest, ensure at least one male and one female tree for cross-pollination, as American persimmon is dioecious.

Adaptability and Care

American persimmon Diospyros virginiana adapts to a wide range of soils—clay, loam, chalk, or sand—with a strong preference for moist but well-drained ground. It flourishes in full sun but tolerates partial shade, yielding best fruit production with ample sunlight. Hardy from USDA zones 4 to 9, it withstands cold to -25°F and copes with dry or rocky soils, as well as occasional flooding.

This native species is cold hardy, slow-growing and highly tolerant of drought, with young trees needing consistent moisture during their first year but established trees requiring little extra care. Rarely troubled by pests or disease, it only needs minimal pruning—often just formative removal of lower branches in the early years. Once established, American persimmons thrive with minimal intervention, making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes. These trees produce abundant, delicious fruit with a naturally sweet flavor that intensifies after the first frost. Perfect for homeowners seeking a resilient, productive addition to their property that supports local ecosystems while delivering years of reliable harvests with virtually no chemical inputs required. 

Easy Care Tips

• Plant in full sun for optimal growth and fruiting.
• Ensure moist soil for young trees, easing back as they mature to encourage drought resistance.
• For best fruit, allow one inch of water per week during the growing season if rainfall is lacking. hen young; otherwise, little maintenance is required.
• Plant more than one tree for reliable fruit set—at least one of each gender.

Plant Factory Direct—Your Source for Native, Resilient Beauty

American persimmon is perfect as a specimen or in naturalized plantings. It supports pollinators, enriches wildlife habitats, and brings a taste of native tradition to every garden—whether you are just starting out or a seasoned gardener looking for resilient, easy charm. Add Diospyros virginiana to your space from Plant Factory Direct and enjoy beauty, bounty, and ecological value for generations

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Diospyros virginiana, commonly known as American persimmon, is a captivating native fruit tree with immense value for home gardeners, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an easy-care, ornamental addition to the landscape. At Plant Factory Direct, discover the advantages of adding this time-honored native to your garden for reliable beauty, easy maintenance, delicious fruit, and crucial wildlife support.

Growth Habit, Size, and Bloom

American persimmon matures as a stately deciduous tree, typically reaching 35 to 60 feet in height with a broad, rounded crown spreading 20 to 35 feet wide—a size that guarantees presence in the landscape without overwhelming typical yard spaces. Its attractive, deeply furrowed bark and symmetrical branching set the stage for glossy, deep green leaves that put on a vibrant display in fall, shifting to shades of yellow, orange, and purple.

In late spring to early summer, small, bell-shaped flowers emerge—pale yellow, white, or greenish-white and subtly fragrant. While not especially showy, these blooms are essential pollinator resources and precede the main event: large, round fruits that ripen from light green to brilliant orange or reddish-purple by late fall. Even after leaves drop, the colorful fruits often persist, providing an ornamental effect reminiscent of holiday ornaments.

Easy Care for All Gardeners

American persimmon’s adaptability is one of its greatest strengths. Tolerant of diverse soils—clay, sand, or loam—and pH levels from acid to alkaline, the species accepts moist but well-drained to somewhat dry sites and stands up to drought once established. For best results, plant in full sun for optimal fruit and color, though partial shade is accepted. With its moderate growth rate and virtually no need for pruning, the tree requires little intervention beyond basic watering in its establishment years.

Pest and disease problems are rare, and no complex spraying or fertilizing regimen is required, making the American persimmon an ideal choice for beginners or those seeking low-maintenance gardening. Mulching around the root zone helps conserve moisture and control weeds, further enhancing its no-fuss nature.

Wildlife Value and Landscape Benefits

Perhaps the greatest acclaim for American persimmon is its importance as a wildlife tree. The ornamental fruits provide a late-season feast for birds, deer, foxes, squirrels, and many other animals when food is scarce elsewhere. The flowers attract vital pollinators, and the tree’s dense canopy offers shelter for birds and small mammals. Including American persimmon in your landscape not only boosts visual interest year-round but also actively supports local ecosystems—an essential aspect for environmentally-minded gardeners.

Beyond its ecological value and edible appeal—the ripe fruit is sweet, complex, and cherished for fresh eating or baking—American persimmon shines as an iconic, easy-care native for all landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced grower or a gardening novice, Diospyros virginiana promises rewards for generations to come.

Ordering:

Our processing time usually is 1-3 days after receiving the order. Orders taken after 4:00 pm on Wednesday through Sunday will be shipped the following Monday.

Shipping:

The Plant Factory, Inc. offers the very best shipping processes to ensure quick, safe, and near-perfect results every time. Cold and heat may deter your order temporarily until it is safe to receive and plant your plants/trees in your area. At our discretion, we will hold order till the threat is gone ensuring you with the healthiest- viable product ordered.

Summer/Winter Shipping Restrictions – Summer above 95 degrees | Winter - Below 34 degrees

Just a heads up! We share pictures and videos on our site to showcase our products and highlight the quality of our growing process. However, depending on the season you purchase, you can receive a plant that is smaller or larger than what is presented. There's a chance you might see a plant blooming like the one on our site, but it's not guaranteed. We often trim off blooms since they don't travel well. When you buy our plants, think of it as a wonderful investment in your future garden! Enjoy the journey of nurturing them to their fullest potential.

What makes Plant Factory Direct a great option?

We grow our plants right here at our nursery! Our knowledgeable staff uses top-notch horticultural practices to make sure our plants are healthy and of the highest quality. We choose your plants with the same care and thoughtfulness as if we were picking them for ourselves. We aim to go above and beyond what our customers expect. We take pride in providing wonderful “out of the box” experiences, along with friendly customer service and speedy resolutions.