Persimmon
Diospyros virginiana 
Persimmon is a small- to medium-sized tree, often forming thickets. The fruit can be eaten by humans and it is important fall food for many kinds of wildlife. The wood is among the hardest of any woods and is used for golf club heads.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 60 ft
- Spread
- 40 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, 3" - 6" long; oval to oblong, edges smooth, shiny dark green
- Flowers
- male and female flowers on separate trees; female flower solitary, bell-shaped, creamy white
- Fruit
- globe-shaped, 1" - 1 l/2" in diameter; orange when ripe in the fall
- Bark
- black, broken into thick square blocks
- Associated species
- eastern redcedar, sassafras, sumac, hickory, hawthorn
- Ideal site conditions
- average soil, full sun
- Value to man
- wood products, windbreaks, food
- Value to wildlife
- food
- Growth Rate
- slow
- Range
