Common Persimmon, a majestic deciduous tree prized for its ornamental value, delicious fruit, and ecological significance.
General Plant Information:
•Botanical Name: Diospyros virginiana
•Common Name: Common Persimmon
•Native Range: Indigenous to the eastern United States, including Florida, Common Persimmon thrives in a variety of habitats, from woodlands and forests to riverbanks and floodplains.
•Habitat: Preferring well-drained soils, Diospyros virginiana can be found in both upland and bottomland forests, where it adds beauty and ecological value to the natural landscape.
•Size: This medium to large-sized tree typically reaches heights of 30 to 60 feet, with a spreading canopy and deeply furrowed bark that adds texture and character to the tree’s silhouette.
•Foliage: Common Persimmon features glossy, dark green leaves that turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall, creating a vibrant display of autumn color in North Florida’s woodlands and urban landscapes.
Fruit:
•Edible Fruit: Common Persimmon produces orange to reddish-brown fruit known as persimmons, which are sweet and flavorful when fully ripe. The fruit is enjoyed fresh, dried, or used in baking and culinary applications. Fruits on female trees, plant both male and female trees to produce fruit. 
•Wildlife Food Source: The fruit of Diospyros virginiana is highly valued by wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects, making it an important food source in North Florida’s ecosystems.
Maintenance:
•Sunlight: Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Common Persimmon adapts well to a range of light conditions, making it suitable for various garden and landscape settings.
•Watering: While tolerant of drought once established, regular watering during dry spells encourages optimal growth and fruit production, especially during the establishment period.
•Pruning: Light pruning may be required to shape the tree and remove dead or diseased branches, promoting overall health and vigor.
Ecological Significance:
•Wildlife Habitat: Common Persimmon provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and insects, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in North Florida’s natural habitats.
•Soil Stabilization: With its deep root system and spreading canopy, Diospyros virginiana helps stabilize soils and prevent erosion, making it a valuable addition to riparian areas and floodplain forests.
•Carbon Sequestration: As a long-lived tree species, Common Persimmon plays a role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation, contributing to the mitigation of climate change impacts in Florida’s diverse ecosystems.