American persimmon
diospyros virginiana
Also known as: ["Eastern persimmon","Common persimmon","Simmon","Possumwood"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to eastern North America, known for its edible orange fruits that ripen in autumn.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ebenaceae |
| Genus: | Diospyros |
| Botanical Name: | Diospyros virginiana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–28–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates clay but prefers good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after fruiting if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches; thin crowded areas to improve light penetrati
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) for optimal fruit production; tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer fruits.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young plants to full sun gradually; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun for best fruit; partial shade acceptable; avoid deep shade; rotate indoor plants for even light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; test soil pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–9; tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 100°F; prefers moderate temperatures for growth.
Protect from frost in early spring; water deeply in summer heat; mulch to buffer temperature extremes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize once a year in spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; water well after fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or root cuttings; seeds may take 3–5 years to fruit, while root cuttings can produce fruit sooner.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take root cuttings in spring.
- Plant seeds in fall.
- Keep cuttings moist and warm.
- Stratify seeds before planting.
Best Time: Spring for root cuttings; fall for seeds (stratification improves germination).
Environment
Warm, humid environment for root cuttings; cold stratification (30–60 days) for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with perlite or sand for root cuttings; moist sand or peat for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone can help with root cuttings but is not strictly necessary.
Timeline
Root cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seeds may germinate in 1–3 months with stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent plants; keep cuttings moist; stratify seeds for better germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk or main branch; heading cuts to shorten branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead wood, and improve air circulation; focus on young trees to establish structure.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune in late winter; remove dead/diseased wood; thin crowded areas; shape the tree.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or fruiting.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., from 5-gallon to 7-gallon); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Use a well-draining soil mix; gently tease out circling roots; place in a pot one size larger with fresh soil.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted as it is usually grown in the ground; container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use well-draining soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during dry periods, especially in summer; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; reduced fruit set in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop or turn yellow; growth slows or halts; young plants or new growth are most vulnerable.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect young plants with frost cloth; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature fruit drop; reduced vigor and fruit quality in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing during heat waves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility; use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after application; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce fruit quality; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may suffer mild gastrointestinal issues if they ingest large amounts of unripe fruits or seeds of Diospyros virginiana. The ripe fruit is typically safe in small quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities of unripe fruits or seeds of Diospyros virginiana. The ripe fruit is generally safe in small amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe unripe fruits and seeds of Diospyros virginiana contain tannins and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when consumed in large amounts. The ripe fruit is generally safe for human consumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do American persimmon fruits ripen?
A: The fruits typically ripen in late autumn, often after the first frost.
Q: Is the American persimmon tree self-fertile?
A: Yes, most American persimmon trees are self-fertile, but cross-pollination can improve fruit production.
Q: How tall does the American persimmon tree grow?
A: It can grow up to 60 feet tall in ideal conditions, though it often stays smaller in cultivation.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ebenaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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