American Persimmon is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the eastern and central United States. It is best known for its sweet, orange fruits that ripen in late fall, often after the first frost. The tree’s dark, blocky bark, glossy green leaves, and yellow to reddish-orange fall foliage make it a striking addition to the landscape.
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Growth Habits & Characteristics:
•Height: 35–60 feet
•Spread: 20–35 feet
•Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade (best fruit production in full sun)
•Soil Preferences: Well-drained loamy, sandy, or clay soils; tolerates dry and poor soils
•Bloom Time: Late spring (May–June)
•Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
•Growth Habit: Slow-growing, pyramidal when young, developing into a more rounded canopy
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Host Insect:
Serves as a host plant for the Luna Moth and several species of hairstreak butterflies.
Pollinator Importance:
•Flowers attract bees, including honeybees and native pollinators.
•Supports a variety of insect life that contributes to local food webs.
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Companion Plants:
•Quercus spp. (Oaks) – Provide habitat for wildlife and support similar ecological functions.
•Carya spp. (Hickories) – Another important food source for wildlife in the same ecosystem.
•Asimina triloba (Pawpaw) – Thrives in similar soil conditions and supports Zebra Swallowtail butterflies.
•Rubus spp. (Blackberries) – Adds fruit diversity for wildlife and human foragers.
•Vaccinium spp. (Blueberries) – Prefers acidic soil like persimmon and attracts pollinators.
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Ecological Importance:
•Wildlife Food Source: Fruits are eaten by deer, foxes, raccoons, opossums, birds, and even bears.
•Pollinator Support: Flowers attract a wide range of bees and beneficial insects.
•Erosion Control: Deep taproot helps stabilize soil in a variety of landscapes.
•Carbon Sequestration: As a long-lived tree, it contributes to air purification and carbon storage.