American Persimmon

Description:

This native fruit tree grows wild but has been cultivated for both tasty fruit and strong wood since prehistoric times by Native Americans. Wildlife also enjoy the sweet fruit produced on this tree - from the first emergence of the berries in summer until the last have dropped in the winter, the trees growing in my parent's yard attract opossums and raccoons almost nightly; squirrels, birds, and butterflies (drawn by decaying fruit under the trees) stop by during the day. The larva of my all-time favorite moth - Luna moth (Actias luna) - feed on persimmon leaves, and therefore the adults may be attracted by is as well.

Habitat:

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , MO , MS , NC , NE , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , UT , VA , WV Native Distribution: FL to e. TX, n. to CT, s. IN, s. IA & e. KS Native Habitat: Dry woods; old fields; clearings

Notes:

Growing on a wooded drive near an old church and cemetery