Persimmon

Plant Identification

There are two kinds of persimmons grown in the West: the American persimmon and the Japanese or Oriental persimmon. Both are deciduous fruit trees. American persimmons have checkered gray-brown bark. Leaves are broad and oval, green in spring and turning yellow, pink, or red in the fall. Fruit is yellow or orange and ripens in early fall. The Asian species has oval and leathery leaves. Leaves turn yellow, red, or orange in the fall. Orange or scarlet fruit forms after leaves drop.

Optimum conditions for growth

Persimmons are good shade trees. The Japanese persimmon is often grown for ornamental use. Persimmons do well in areas with full sun. They are tolerant of many soil types but require good drainage. Prune young trees to establish the framework. In established trees, prune out suckers or dead wood. Water regularly and avoid overferilizing.

Pests and Disorders

Invertebrates

Plant Diseases

Environmental Disorders

Weeds and Other Unwanted Plants