Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

Diospyros virginiana is known by the common names Persimmon, Common Persimmon, Eastern Persimmon, American Persimmon, Simmon. The Persimmon is another of the species that is dioecious; male and female flowers on separate trees; both are required to get fruit. Trees may grow to 60 feet.

Persimmon trees occur in the woods in this area. I’ve seen female trees with fruit at Fort Yargo State Park (segment 6, 9) but can’t get close enough to photograph the flowers. We have only male trees at our place. I forget that we have them until I find fallen flowers on my car each year.

A branch of a male plant showing leaves and the arrangement of blooms.

Buds of a male fllower.

Male flowers, in profile

Male flowers, front on.

A tree with fruit. This tree is on a nearby property.

A closer view of the fruit.

Diospyros virginiana (Common Persimmon) is native to the central-southeastern United States and in California and Utah.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Diospyros virginiana (Common Persimmon)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Diospyros virginiana

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
- Natural and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Diospyros virginiana
- Missouri Plants: Diospyros virginiana
- Wikipedia: Diospyros virginiana

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower – Wildflower Index