The American Persimmon tree (Diospyros virginiana) is a bit of a chameleon. In rich moist soil it grows to be a tall tree up to 60 ft tall; but, naturalized in old fields, it is a low, shrubby tree, reaching 15 ft. In either case, the yellow, bell-shaped flowers give way to large, sweet, yellowish orange fruit in autumn, which grows 1” - 3” long and wide, September to December. The flavour of Persimmon fruit somewhat recalls the flavour of dates, mango and roasted, sweet red peppers. Best eaten when overly ripe, when it has a velvety, pudding-like consistency, or they are very eastringent to the pallet. Persimmons can be eaten fresh, and used to make puddings, cakes, fruit leather, dried fruit, and beverages. Fruits and inner bark have traditional remedy uses. Common Persimmon is an important wildlife food sources for birds, small mammals, white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons, and black bears. It is also a larval host plant of the Luna moth and Hickory Horndevil. Attracts bees and butterflies. The American Persimmon is a good tree for landscape restoration.
