American Persimmon

American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is famous by a lot of names; among them are common persimmon and possumwood. The plant can be found in the southeastern America. Growing wild it has been in cultivation for its edible fruit and wood by Native Americans.

Diospyros virginiana is capable to attain the height up to 20 meters. In summer season it bears aromatic, bell-like flowers in creamy-yellow color. American Persimmon can produce the fruit only after 6 years of its life. Ancient Greek called the tree’s fruit as 'the Fruit of the Gods'.

These tasty golden-orange fruits frequently hang on the tree after the foliage die off in the fall. By the way, one can come across a rare natural form of the species bearing darker fruit, nearly black. This form is known under the name Diospyros virginiana atra. The ripe fruit have sweet taste; that is why they are used in desserts and cuisine.

In addition to the fruit-producing capability, American Persimmon is a perfect middle-sized yard tree.