Persimmon is native to the southeastern United States. Easily recognized in winter by its unusual rugged, blocky bark, it has thick, dark green leaves that turn a yellow fall color. Female trees produce large orange-brown fleshy fruit that are edible after the first frost. Native persimmon is not readily available in nurseries, but several selected cultivars are produced for their edible fruit.
- Family (English) Ebony
- Family (botanic) Ebenaceae
- Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Wide median
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Illinois, North America
- Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet), Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 35 60 feet
- Mature width 20-35 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought
- Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, late spring, early summer, early fall, mid fall, late fall
- Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, White
- Shape or form Narrow, Oval, Round
- Growth rate Slow
- Transplants well No
- Planting considerations May be difficult to find in nurseries, Messy fruit/plant parts
- Wildlife Browsers, Game birds, Insect pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
- Has cultivars Yes
