Persimmon

Illustration of persimmon leaves, branch, fruit.
Edible
Scientific Name
Diospyros virginiana
Family
Ebenaceae (ebonies)
Description

Persimmon is a medium-sized tree, varying in size and shape with growing conditions.

Leaves are alternate, simple, 2–6 inches long, 1–3 inches wide, broadest at the middle; margin lacking teeth; upper surface pale green, shiny; lower surface paler, smooth to somewhat hairy. Somewhat leathery.

Bark is distinctive: dark brown to black, grooves deep, ridges broken into thick, square to rectangular blocks, resembling alligator hide.

Twigs are slender, gray to reddish-brown, somewhat zigzag; pores orange; end bud absent.

Flowers late May–June, with male and female flowers on separate trees. Male flowers in clusters of 2–3, greenish-yellow, urn-shaped; female flowers solitary, urn-shaped with tips curved back, greenish-yellow to creamy white, fragrant.

Fruits September–October. Fruit orange to orange-purple, about ¾–1½ inches long and wide, globe-shaped; sweet, edible when ripe. Prior to ripening, astringent and puckery to taste.

Size
Height: to 60 feet; to 30 feet in open-grown situations, where it has a shorter trunk.
Where To Find
image of Persimmon distribution map
Statewide, except for northwestern counties.
Occurs in rocky, dry, open woods, edges of woods, glades, prairies, old fields, thickets, bottomland woods, and valleys along streams. It is generally not recommended in urban landscapes, despite its many good qualities; it is difficult to transplant, it has a tendency to sucker, and the fallen fruit can be messy.
Native Americans, explorers, settlers, and others have all enjoyed the edible fruit. The fruits are notoriously astringent if they are eaten unripe. The dried leaves can be made into tea. The wood is used for golf club heads, textile shuttles, billiard cues, and brush handles.
A very important wildlife food. Fruit, buds, and leaves are eaten by deer, opossum, squirrel, bobwhite, raccoon, wild turkey, red and gray fox, and coyote. Many birds eat the fruit. A pioneering tree in disturbed landscapes, it plays an important role in reestablishing a mature ecosystem.
Media Gallery
Illustration of persimmon leaves, branch, fruit.
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Paul Nelson
1/9
Persimmons on the ground amid fallen leaves.
Although ripe persimmons offer a sweet treat, one bite of an unripe persimmon will make you pucker.
2/9
Photo of persimmon leaves
Persimmon leaves are alternate, simple, lack teeth, and are somewhat leathery.
Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, Bugwood.org
3/9
Persimmon fruit on branch with leaves.
Persimmon fruits ripen September-October.
4/9
Photo of a nearly ripe persimmon on a branch
Many people debate about how to tell when a persimmon is truly ripe.
5/9
Some ripe persimmons in a bowl.
Most people agree that our native persimmons taste best when they get so soft the skin starts to sag and the pulp is getting mushy.
6/9
Photo of a ripe persimmon split open, showing texture
The rather mushy texture of persimmon pulp suggests a variety of culinary uses.
7/9
A lone yellow flower on a persimmon branch
8/9
Photo of persimmon branch with ripening fruits.
Persimmon fruits are ripening in the St. Louis Region, Oct. 3, 2016
Mark Grueber
9/9
Illustration of persimmon leaves, branch, fruit.
Persimmons on the ground amid fallen leaves.
Photo of persimmon leaves
Persimmon fruit on branch with leaves.
Photo of a nearly ripe persimmon on a branch
Some ripe persimmons in a bowl.
Photo of a ripe persimmon split open, showing texture
A lone yellow flower on a persimmon branch
Photo of persimmon branch with ripening fruits.
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Where to See Species

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Compton Hollow Conservation Area
Compton Hollow Conservation Area is located in Webster County. Visitors can access this 840-acre area from Compton Hollow Road, where two parking lots are located about 0.75 mile apart.
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Rinquelin Trail Lake Conservation Area
The 286 acres comprising Rinquelin Trail Lake Conservation Area were acquired by the Conservation Department through five separate transactions between 1982 and 1990.
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Seventy-Six Conservation Area
Seventy-Six Conservation Area is located in eastern Perry County, at the end of Route D, approximately four miles northeast of Brazeau.
About Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines in Missouri
There are no sharp dividing lines between trees, shrubs, and woody vines, or even between woody and nonwoody plants. “Wood” is a type of tissue made of cellulose and lignin that many plants develop as they mature — whether they are “woody” or not. Trees are woody plants over 13 feet tall with a single trunk. Shrubs are less than 13 feet tall, with multiple stems. Vines require support or else sprawl over the ground.