American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Why We Grow It
Why We Grow It
In a food forest, the American Persimmon can be a cornerstone species. Growing American Persimmon in Canada holds great promise for food security, particularly for those interested in silvopasture and integrating tree crops into grazing systems. Holds fruit very late into winter.
How the Plant Grows
How the Plant Grows
30 Feet at maturity with a similar spread. Fast growing in warmer climates. While they are not cold hardy enough for all Canadian hardiness zones if you live near a zone 5 they are worth a shot. If you’re in zone 4 try planting it in a heavily protected area from desiccating winds but please know this is a risk. Persimmon is in the ebony family and roots are black (not dead!). Slow to break dormancy, especially after transplanting.
Plant Size
Plant Size
-Large 2'+ whip grown from seed 2 seasons old
-Medium 1'-2' whip grown from seed 2 seasons old
Additional Info
Additional Info
American persimmon are the more flavorful smaller fruited cousin of the asian persimmon that we are used to seeing in the store. The flavor is rich and complex thus explaining its latin name translation to fruit of the gods.
These trees are a testament to resilience, capable of adapting to a wide range of growing conditions and sites. They can withstand challenges such as animal browse, competition from weeds, and extreme weather conditions like flooding and drought. This adaptability makes them an excellent choice for diverse landscapes and challenging environments.
Canadian Heritage Seedlings: Our seedlings offered are from parent trees located in Canada, hopefully transferring their adaptability to northern climates. Their ability to attract wildlife and add aesthetic value, along with their bountiful harvest, makes them a valuable addition to any sustainable gardening project.
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Plant Highlights
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Water
Can withstand drought and flooding. Prefers moist soil.
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Pollination
Male and Female typically separate plants, plant a few to ensure you get a fruit producing individual.
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Soil
Adaptable to many soil types from clay to sand. Prefers a moist well drained loam.
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Years to Bear
6-9 Years
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Hardiness
Typically Zone 5. Experimenting is being done in zone 4
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Solar
Partial to Full Sun
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