Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

Also known as: Eastern Persimmon, Possumwood, Possum apples

The Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a deciduous tree indigenous to eastern North America. Its fruits are not only enjoyed by humans for their sweetness but also serve as a vital food source for wildlife. The tree's seeds can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute, while its leaves can be dried and brewed into tea.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Common Persimmon

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

10 m to 18 m

Spread

7 m to 8 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow

Flower Size

1 cm to 2 cm

Flower Color

Yellow White Green

Images of Common Persimmon

Quickly Identify Common Persimmon

Deciduous tree, 30-80 feet (9-24 meters) tall, with elliptical leaves.

Globular berries, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm), yellow-orange with waxy bloom.

Distinctive bark with deep furrows forming blocky pattern like alligator skin.

Slender, zigzag stems with pubescent texture, light brown to gray in color.

Broadly oblong leaves, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, with dark veins.

Scientific Classification of Common Persimmon

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ericales

Family

Ebony

Genus

Diospyros

Species

Common Persimmon

Planting and Growing of Common Persimmon

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-85℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Common Persimmon?

Diospyros virginiana, commonly known as American persimmon, requires a watering approach that's more conservationist than extravagant. The rule of thumb is to provide around 1000 ml of water per session, ensuring that water penetrates the soil deeply enough to reach the root zone. This encourages roots to grow deeper, resulting in a more drought-resistant plant. Always ensure that the soil is moist but never waterlogged. The requirement might vary depending on the climate and soil conditions; thus, it is important to adjust accordingly.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Common Persimmon? ›

What should I do if my Common Persimmon is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Common Persimmon? ›

How to save an overwatered Common Persimmon? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Common Persimmon?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 8 hours

Diospyros virginiana ideally requires full sun to partial sun exposure. Adequate light facilitates strong growth, enhances fruit production, and keeps the plant's internal processes efficient and balanced.

How much sun does Diospyros virginiana need? ›

What if full sun is not available? ›

How do I ensure optimal sunlight exposure? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Common Persimmon?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 85℉

Diospyros virginiana, commonly known as the American persimmon, thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F. This range supports proper growth, flower development, and fruiting. Maintaining temperatures within this band ensures plants receive sufficient warmth without excessive stress or dehydration, contributing to overall plant health and robust yields.

What Soil is Best for Common Persimmon?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Diospyros virginiana thrives best in well-drained soils. This ensures that the roots do not remain waterlogged, which can prevent root rot and promote healthier tree growth. A soil rich in organic matter is crucial as it provides essential nutrients, enhancing the overall growth performance of Diospyros virginiana and ensuring robust fruit production. While the soil should be well-drained, it should also retain adequate moisture to supply the tree during dry spells. This balance supports sustained growth and development of the tree.

How to Fertilize Common Persimmon?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Diospyros virginiana, apply fertilizer sparingly. Use about 1/2 pound of balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter. Ensure even distribution around the drip line.

How to Prune Common Persimmon?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Begin by removing any dead or diseased wood, as these can harbor pests and diseases. Next, cut back any crossing branches to ensure they don't rub against each other, which can create wounds that are susceptible to infection. Maintain the tree's shape by selectively cutting back branches to outward-facing buds. This encourages a more open canopy, which improves air circulation and sunlight penetration. Pruning during the dormancy period in late winter or early spring, before the tree breaks bud, is ideal. This timing allows you to see the tree's structure clearly and minimizes the stress on the tree. However, light summer pruning can also be beneficial for removing suckers or water sprouts. Autumn pruning should be avoided as it can stimulate growth at a time when the tree should be preparing for dormancy.

How to Propagate Common Persimmon plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Late spring, Early spring

Harvest seeds from ripe fruit in autumn. Clean and dry them before storing over winter to stratify for effective germination in the spring.

Select healthy, mature branches in late spring and cut 6 to 12-inch sections, ideally with a few nodes. Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone for best results.

Choose compatible rootstock and scion. Perform grafting during early spring when both plants begin active growth. Ensure a clean cut and secure with grafting tape.

How to Repot Common Persimmon plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 3-4 years

Repotting Diospyros virginiana should be done when you notice significant root crowding at the surface or through the drainage holes, or when growth becomes stunted. Spring and autumn, when the plant is not in its peak growth phase, are ideal periods for repotting, as it allows recovery time.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has sufficient drainage holes at the bottom. A suitably sized pot gives roots room to expand, supporting healthy growth without excessive moisture retention, which could lead to root rot.

Opt for a well-draining, loamy soil mixture to repot Diospyros virginiana. This type of soil provides the optimal balance of moisture retention and drainage, preventing waterlogging while maintaining essential nutrients for robust growth.

Toxicity of Common Persimmon

Is Common Persimmon toxic to humans?

While it is common to see persimmons in grocery stores, the fruit available there is typically harvested before full ripeness to prevent any risk of gastroenteritis. The leaves and fruits of the persimmon tree are rich in tannins, which can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress in humans. As the fruit matures, it contains fewer tannins. Any persimmons that are purchased or foraged should be allowed to ripen completely until they are soft, and they should be kept out of reach of children and individuals with cognitive impairments until they reach full ripeness. If the fruit exhibits a bitter aftertaste or induces a puckering sensation in the mouth, it is likely still high in tannins.

Is Common Persimmon toxic to cat?

Common Persimmon presents a mild toxicity hazard for cats, especially when they consume significant quantities of unripe fruit. Cats that ingest parts of the common Persimmon may exhibit signs of discomfort or distress. To prevent health issues, pet owners should closely observe their cats for adverse reactions when they have access to common Persimmon. If any signs of poisoning appear, it is crucial to seek prompt veterinary assistance to safeguard the well-being and safety of the pet.

Is Common Persimmon toxic to dog?

The Common Persimmon presents a mild toxicity risk to dogs, particularly when they ingest large quantities of the unripe fruit. Although the ripe fruit is generally considered safe, consuming the unripe version can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances and other related symptoms. Dog owners ought to remain vigilant and keep their pets away from areas where Common Persimmon thrives, especially during the fruiting season when unripe fruits are available. If a dog consumes a notable amount of unripe fruit from the Common Persimmon, they might show indications such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort. In such situations, it is crucial for pet owners to seek prompt veterinary assistance to ensure appropriate treatment and avert any complications resulting from the poisoning.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.