Common persimmon

Description:

The American persimmon, Diospyros virginiana, is native from southeastern New York to Florida, and westward to Kansas and Texas. This handsome tree grows up to fifty feet in height and 25 to 30 feet wide. It will grow in full sun, to partial shade. They are extremely drought tolerant, once they are established. Aside from their edible fruits, the fall color is usually quite outstanding. Common American persimmon trees usually have separate male and female trees. Both are needed to set fruit. (Occasionally, both sexed flowers will occur on the same tree, but this is uncommon). The fruit persists on the tree well into winter, after the leaves have fallen. Many old-timers won't taste the fruit until after the first killing frost, to make sure the fruits are ripe. If they aren't ripe, they are extremely astringent. Or as Captain John Smith of the Jamestown colony wrote in 1607, "the fruit is like a medlar; it is first green, then yellow and red when it is ripe: if it is not ripe, it will drive a man's mouth awrie with much torment, but when it is ripe, it is as delicious as the apricot." The common persimmon is smaller than the oriental persimmon, about the size of an apricot. They produce small white flowers, shaped like lanterns or bells. The fruits are orange with a reddish blush when ripe. The fruits are mushy when ripe, and reportedly soothes indigestion. The fruit is borne on new wood. Therefore, most of the fruit will be on the outer portion of the tree. No thinning is necessary. They begin bearing at four to six years of age. They are slow growing trees, so they could be kept even smaller through pruning or training; they have even been grown as espaliers. Because of their slow growth, the bark develops thick square blocks, like alligator skin. The wood is uniform in texture, strong, heavy, hard and resilient to pressure. That is why it is used to make golf club heads, billiard cues, flooring and veneers.

Habitat:

Rocky crevice on Lake 'Belton's shoreline.