American persimmon Diospyros virginiana
American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Ebenaceae family, native to Eastern United States. It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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American persimmon at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Ebenaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: ripe fruit (only when soft) |
| Native to | Eastern United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is American persimmon toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: unripe fruit, seeds
Unripe fruit is fiercely astringent; large amounts can form stomach bezoars, and seeds can block a dog’s gut.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with American persimmon
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about American persimmon
- How far apart should I plant American persimmon?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does American persimmon need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does American persimmon need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is American persimmon?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does American persimmon flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is American persimmon poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Unripe fruit is fiercely astringent; large amounts can form stomach bezoars, and seeds can block a dog’s gut.
- What grows well with American persimmon?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for American persimmon. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Male and female trees are separate, so plant both for fruit. Fruit is sweet and custardy only once very soft, often after frost.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Japanese persimmon Diospyros kaki
- Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit) Diospyros nigra
- Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie) Diospyros mespiliformis
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.