American Persimmon Tree Facts
American or common persimmon trees (Diospyros virginiana) are striking in the wintertime, when they've shed their leaves but still have round globes of bright orange fruit. These hardy native fruit trees were valued by the Native Americans, African Americans and European colonial settlers, who used the fruit for bread, soups, stews and dried fruit. Does this Spark an idea?
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Range
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Native to North America, the American persimmon occurs in the greatest density along the Mississippi River Valley and the Gulf states. Persimmon trees grow along the east coast from Connecticut to Florida, extending westward into Kansas and Texas. These trees are hardy in zones 4b to 9, notes the United States Forest Service.
Fruit
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Unlike the fruit of the Asian persimmon, which can be eaten out of hand when under-ripe, the American persimmon fruit is extremely astringent until ripe. A properly ripe American persimmon feels mushy and soft, like a water balloon about to explode. The fruits are bright orange in color and ripen in the autumn. American persimmons are used in desserts and can be made into a fermented drink.
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Environment
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Persimmon trees are hardy. They can grow well in a range of soil conditions, including sandy soils, boggy soils, riverbeds and rocky slopes. They are not particular about soil pH and can grow in part shade. The trees perform best in moist, well-draining soils and full sun locations.
Size
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Persimmon trees can grow up to 60 feet tall. They have a canopy spread of 20 to 35 feet wide. They have a rounded, bushy canopy.
Pests and Diseases
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American persimmon trees experience fewer diseases and pests than other fruit trees; however, gardeners should learn to identify those that do affect this tree. Persimmon wilt can kill infected trees; branches experience dieback and leaves wilt and fall from the tree. Leaf spot diseases occur predominantly on trees planted in the southern United States; they cause cosmetic damage and do not harm the fruit crop.
The University of Kentucky notes that insect pests include psyllid, persimmon borer, bagworm, hickory horned devil and twig girdler.
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References
- Photo Credit persimmon tree in snow image by kelly marken from Fotolia.com
