Winter Plum Diospyros virginiana

Diospyros virginiana, or American Persimmon, is a deciduous tree in the ebony family, 30 to 70 feet high with a 1 to 2 foot diameter erect trunk, native to central and eastern USA and found throughout North Carolina, except in the higher mountains. It is slow-growing and thicket forming and can be a nuisance in fields. It can take 10 to 15 years before the tree bears fruit. The trees are usually dioecious (separate male and female and both are needed for fruiting to occur). Flowering is in spring to early summer with fruit ripening in the fall. A string of cool days is usually needed for maturation. The 1 to 2 inch fruits are orange and very sweet when ripe. They are a source of food for many types of birds and mammals.

Moist, well-drained sandy soils provide the best conditions for growth but the tree will tolerate hot, dry, poor soils and clay, including urban conditions. Under poor conditions, it will often maintain a 15 foot shrub-like appearance, but in rich, moist soil it can grow to its maximum height. It is a pioneer species and invades relatively open areas where there is less competition. In the wild, it is often found on most soil types from sands to shales and mud bottom lands. It blooms and fruits best in full sun to partial shade. A deep taproot makes it difficult to transplant.

Cultivars are available that may make a better tree for the home garden. It can also be grown as an ornamental, fruit tree, or in naturalized areas for wildlife.

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: 

No known insect or disease problems. Leaf spot may occur.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.