Persimmon Tree

Persimmon Tree

The persimmon tree is an excellent plant to grow, both for its aesthetic value and for its delicious fruit. The persimmon was valued by early American settlers and Natives for its hardy nature. It can survive low winter temperatures, The American variety, as low as negative twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit and the fruit continues to hang on to the tree well into the winter months. The tree itself is beautiful. It has oblong, dark green leaves that orange nicely in autumn. The bark is dark and forms square blocks that resemble the skin of a crocodile. The fruit is bright orange with a smooth skin. It has soft flesh and, when ripe, is sweet and similar to apricot in taste. Wood from the tree is both decorative and resilient.

Persimmon Tree Is Very Hardy

It is a tree that is somewhat particular when it comes to planting. It is native to much of the United States spanning from Florida West to Texas and as far North as Connecticut. They can be grown, however, anywhere between growing zones four and nine. It likes well-drained soil that is slightly acidic somewhere between six point five and seven point five. When planting, it is important to dig deep when planting them to compensate for their deep taproots. They like to be placed in full sunlight.

The Persimmon Tree Can Thrive In Very Cold Places

It is important to be aware that there are two varieties of Persimmon Trees, American and Asian. The Asian tree is a little bit less resilient, only withstanding winter temperatures as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit. The Asian does, however, have its own advantage. While an American variety must have both a male and female tree present to produce fruit, the Asian variety is able to bear fruit on its own. Once planted, both varieties are fairly low maintenance after they have established. They do need plenty of water and may need manually watered in dry weather but need nearly no pruning when healthy.