American Persimmon

from $12.00
Variety:
Count:

1 year old bare root seedling trees.

Bring a taste of the wild home with American persimmons, known as the 'date plum' for their honeyed, date-like flavor – delicious, drought-tolerant, and perfect for fall harvests!

Trees are 10”-16” tall.

This is the normal size for this age of tree grown in these conditions. We are more concerned with root growth so trees are not shocked when planted in the ground. Healthy roots = healthier plant growth!

Air Pruned

Seedlings are grown in air-prune garden beds in Hendersonville, NC, promoting healthy, widespread root growth. This method also prevents root damage when the trees are dug up for sale!

Selection

Seeds were collected from named cultivars and orchards of famous breeders. More information below.

1 year old bare root seedling trees.

Bring a taste of the wild home with American persimmons, known as the 'date plum' for their honeyed, date-like flavor – delicious, drought-tolerant, and perfect for fall harvests!

Trees are 10”-16” tall.

This is the normal size for this age of tree grown in these conditions. We are more concerned with root growth so trees are not shocked when planted in the ground. Healthy roots = healthier plant growth!

Air Pruned

Seedlings are grown in air-prune garden beds in Hendersonville, NC, promoting healthy, widespread root growth. This method also prevents root damage when the trees are dug up for sale!

Selection

Seeds were collected from named cultivars and orchards of famous breeders. More information below.

 

General Information:

  • American persimmon trees are native to the eastern U.S. and known for their resilience and adaptability.

  • They produce bright orange, honey-flavored fruits often called "date plums" due to their unique, rich sweetness. They are packed with energy, second only to Avocado

  • Leaves of the persimmon can be used as a tea herb for infusions.

  • It is recommend to plant multiple trees. Both sexes are required for fruit, but the trees cannot be sexed until flowering age.

Genus & species : Diospyros virginiana. The American persimmon’s genus, Diospyros, translates to "fruit of the gods."

Varieties:

Barbara's Blush

These trees were grown specifically from seed gathered from the wonderful American persimmon cultivar known as Barbara’s Blush.

Jerry Lehman

These trees were grown from seed obtained from cultivars among the orchards of persimmon and pawpaw breeder Jerry Lehman.

Hobo Woods (Donald Compton)

Seed for these trees were obtained from Hobo Woods persimmon farm, owned by Donald Compton, and the place of the most extensive research on American persimmon breeding in the states. Seed was selected from the most productive American persimmon trees at Hobo Woods.

Flavor: Ripe persimmons are incredibly delicious, with a unique flavor unlike any other fruit.

Planting:

  • Sun: While they tolerate shade, they yield more fruit in sunny conditions.

  • Soil type: Prefers sandy loam, clay OK if well-drained

  • Drought Tolerant: Persimmon trees can grow almost anywhere except overly wet sites.

  • Hardiness: Zone 4 to zone 8

Fruit Characteristics:

  • Color: Bright orange.

  • Ripening Season: Fall, with some fruits hanging on the tree into winter, providing food for people and wildlife.

  • Uses: Can be eaten fresh, dried, or made into puddings, breads, cakes, and even beer.

  • Harvesting: Collect fruits when they are "dead ripe" (very soft with wrinkled skin), as unripe persimmons are very astringent.

Tree Characteristics:

  • Size: Trees can reach up to 80 feet, though 15-30 feet is more typical in northern regions.

  • Hardiness: Hardy to -30°F.

★★★★★