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White mulberry, an Asian species, was introduced by early settlers, who cultivated it for its berries and as fodder for an attempted silkworm industry. Birds have helped spread the white mulberry so much that in many places it is more common than our native red mulberry.

This medium-sized tree with the “alligator” bark is best known in the fall, when its orange, plumlike fruits come on. Be careful, however, to make sure a persimmon is ripe before you pop it into your mouth, or you could have a puckery surprise!

Persimmon trees provide a sweet summer finale in their fall-ripening fruits.