All About the Common Persimmon:
Scientific Nomenclature: Diospyros virginiana
Common Names: persimmon, common persimmon, American persimmon, winter plum, date plum, possumwood
Mature Height: 35–60 feet
Mature Spread: 20–35 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Attracts Wildlife: Pollinators, birds and mammals.
Messiness: Fruits mature and drop in autumn. Flowers bloom in spring and early summer and drop after. Leaves drop in autumn.
Shape: Oval
Native to Kentucky: Yes
Preferred Soils: Moist, well-drained sandy soils are preferable, but the tree occasionally tolerates dry clays. Common persimmons grow in a range of soil conditions, having no preference over acidic (<6.0pH), neutral (6.0–8.0pH) or alkaline (>8.0pH) soils. Persimmon trees are also very tolerant of urban conditions.
Screening: Not used as a screening/privacy tree.
Drought Tolerance: While tolerant of poor soil conditions, it is intolerant of drought.
Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous tree
Pruning: Very rarely needs pruning, if ever.
Climate Quick Facts:
Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one common persimmon will:
- Sequester ~205 pounds of CO2.
- Reduce stormwater runoff by 195 gallons.