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American Persimmon, Possumwood

Diospyros Virginiana

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Overview

American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), also known as Possumwood, is a native deciduous tree valued for its adaptability and wildlife benefits. Mature at 35-60 feet tall, with a 20-35 foot spread, it thrives in zones 4-9. Features distinctive blocky bark, glossy green leaves, and yellow-to-orange fruits after female tree's white flowers. Fruit is edible when soft, attracting birds and mammals. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils.

Sun FullWater Low, MediumZones 6–9Climate Temperate
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — Mature at 35-60 feet tall, with a 20-35 foot spread, it thrives in zones 4-9American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — Features distinctive blocky barkAmerican Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — and yellow-to-orange fruits after female tree's white flowersAmerican Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — Fruit is edible when soft, attracting birds and mammalsAmerican Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soilsAmerican Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — or Possumwood (Diospyros virginiana)+112

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low, Medium
USDA zones
6–9

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Ebenaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (119)

American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — is a native deciduous tree valued for its adaptability and wildlife benefits
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — Mature at 35-60 feet tall, with a 20-35 foot spread, it thrives in zones 4-9
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — Features distinctive blocky bark
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — and yellow-to-orange fruits after female tree's white flowers
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — Fruit is edible when soft, attracting birds and mammals
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — or Possumwood (Diospyros virginiana)
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — This deciduous native tree
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — commonly found throughout the Eastern United States
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — grows moderately to a height between 35 to 60 feet
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — with a similar canopy width once it reaches full maturity
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — Gardeners admire its deeply furrowed
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — presents a singular choice for both aesthetic and practical purposes within a landscape
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — and purple in autumn.<br><br>Its distinctive fruit
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — with a diameter of approximately 1 to 2 inches
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — starts out green and ripens to a deep orange
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — These persimmons possess a sweet
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — honey-like flavor once fully mature and should only be consumed post-frost when they soften; otherwise
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — they are notably astringent
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — The fruits are not only a culinary delight
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — gray to black bark and its lustrous green leaves which transition to striking shades of yellow
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — but also attract diverse wildlife such as birds
American Persimmon, Possumwood (Diospyros Virginiana) — the eponymous opossums.<br><br>Preferring well-drained soil

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