Light: Full Sun
Soil: Medium - Medium Wet
Height: 35-60 Feet
Width: 30 Feet
Description: Common Persimmon is a unique native tree valued for its sweet edible fruit, exceptional wildlife benefits, and adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions. This medium-sized tree develops a rounded canopy and typically reaches 35–60 feet tall with a spread of 25–35 feet. It is native to the southern 2/3 of Illinois.
In spring, Common Persimmon produces small, fragrant flowers that attract native pollinators. By fall, female trees develop orange fruits that ripen after frost, becoming soft and sweet with a flavor often compared to apricots and honey. The fruit is rich in Vitamins A and C and can be enjoyed fresh or used in baked goods, preserves, and desserts.
Persimmon is a dioecious species, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate trees. Planting multiple trees improves pollination and increases fruit production.
Beyond its edible fruit, Common Persimmon is one of the best native trees for wildlife. The fruit provides an important late-season food source for birds, deer, foxes, raccoons, and other wildlife, while the flowers support pollinators throughout the growing season.
Adaptable and resilient, Common Persimmon tolerates drought, urban conditions, partial shade, floodplain soils, and a wide range of site conditions, making it a versatile addition to both naturalized and residential landscapes.
