Japanese persimmon Diospyros kaki
Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Ebenaceae family, native to China. It grows 5–8 m (16–26 ft) tall and 4–6 m (13–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
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Japanese persimmon at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Ebenaceae |
| Mature height | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–6 m (13–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 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 | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit |
| Native to | China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇰🇷 South Korea |
Is Japanese persimmon toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: unripe fruit, seeds
Tannin-rich unripe fruit can form stomach bezoars; seeds can cause intestinal blockage in dogs.
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 Japanese persimmon
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Japanese persimmon
- How far apart should I plant Japanese persimmon?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–6 m (13–20 ft).
- Does Japanese persimmon need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese persimmon need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese persimmon?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Japanese persimmon flower?
- From about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Japanese persimmon poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Tannin-rich unripe fruit can form stomach bezoars; seeds can cause intestinal blockage in dogs.
- What grows well with Japanese persimmon?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese persimmon. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- Fruit & Nut Research and Information Center: chilling requirements by species and cultivar, University of California, Davis
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Non-astringent types (Fuyu) and astringent types (Hachiya) differ; chill need is low (about 100-400 hours); autumn colour is a bonus.
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
- American persimmon Diospyros virginiana
- 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.