American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is best known for its fruit that is a favorite of wildlife. Fruits ripen in late fall and are loved by deer and many other species. Fruit will sometimes hang on the trees through the winter.

People also love the fruit if they can get it before the wildlife does. The fruit has a very sweet taste that some say mimic the taste of dates. It can be eaten raw or made into pies, puddings, cookies and other deserts. The fruit should be picked when fully ripe and soft with wrinkly skin. Pick it too early and it will be very astringent.

American Persimmons are generally more adapted to grow in the eastern 1/2 of the United States.

American Persimmon trees are either male or female and cannot self-pollinate. Only the female trees bear fruit so it’s a good idea to plant a few to be sure to get fruit. Our trees are grown from wild seed and not grafted for female only trees.