Common Persimmon (American Persimmon, Possumwood)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Ericales, Family: Ebenaceae, Genus: Diospyros, Species: Diospyros virginiana · Ebenaceae (Ebony family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Diospyros virginiana
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Ebenaceae (Ebony family)
Shape
Ovate to elliptical with an acuminate tip and rounded to cuneate base
Size
Approximately 3-5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm) long and 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) wide, which falls directly within the typical species range of 2.5-6 inches long.
Margin
Entire (smooth, untoothed)
Arrangement
Alternate along slender, dark brownish-gray twigs
Rarity
Very Common within its native range across the eastern United States.
Color & Pattern
Deep lustrous green on the upper surface and slightly paler bluish-green underneath. The central featured leaf shows yellowing (chlorosis) near the apex along with localized reddish-brown necrotic spots and mechanical/insect damage across the blade.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with prominent yellow-green midrib and secondary veins arching toward the leaf margins (reticulate loop-forming structure).
Texture & Surface
Smooth, slightly leathery (coriaceous) to firm papery texture; somewhat shiny upper surface with sub-glabrous lower surface.
Description
Common Persimmon is a medium-sized slow-growing native tree reaching 30-60 feet in height. It is famous for its distinctive dark, deeply furrowed bark broken into small rectangular, blocky plates resembling alligator hide. Leaves are alternate, dark shiny green, turning rich yellow to reddish-purple in autumn. Small bell-shaped, cream-colored flowers bloom in late spring, followed by edible sweet orange-purple berries in late autumn.
Key Features
Smooth (entire) leaf margins, lustrous dark green upper surface, alternate arrangement, dark leaf petioles, and distinctly blocky, alligator-skin bark on mature trunks.
Habitat
Found in dry upland woods, fence rows, abandoned fields, alluvial bottomlands, and forest borders. Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils with full sun to partial shade.
Geographic Range
Native to the eastern and central United States, from southern New England south to Florida, and west to Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. The central specimen exhibits physical tearing, localized necrosis (browning/dying leaf tissue), and partial chlorosis (yellowing), likely caused by fungal leaf spot or physical injury. Surrounding upper leaves remain relatively healthy.
Interesting Facts
The genus name 'Diospyros' translates from Greek as 'fruit of the gods' or 'divine wheat'. Unripe persimmons are extremely astringent due to high tannin content, but after a hard frost they turn soft, sweet, and delicious. Native Americans used dried persimmons to make bread.
Medicinal & Uses
Edible fruits are harvested for fresh eating, baking, preserves, and winemaking. Historically, astringent unripe fruits, bark, and roots were used in traditional remedies for diarrhea and sore throats. The dense, hard wood belongs to the ebony family and has been used for golf club heads and billiard cues.
Ecological Role
Serves as an essential food source for wildlife, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, foxes, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. It host caterpillars of several native moths, including the spectacular Luna Moth (Actias luna).
Similar Species
Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) has similar leaves but lacks the blocky bark and usually features subtle coarse teeth near the apex; Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) has serrated margins and glands on the petiole.
Foraging Tips
Look for low branches or fallen fruit in late autumn after the first hard frosts. Only harvest fruits that are soft, slightly wrinkled, and fully orange or purple-tinged to avoid intense astringency.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic fruit when fully ripe. Unripe fruit contains high levels of astringent tannins that can cause mouth puckering and digestive upset. Excessive consumption of unripe fruit can lead to the formation of diospyrobezoars (stomach blockages).