American Persimmon Tree

Name: American Persimmon Tree
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 22394
Price: 97.9 USD
Availability: InStock

Diospyros virginiana

Nature Hills Nursery

$97⁹⁰

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: American Persimmons are sun lovers; aim for at least six to eight hours of direct, unfiltered sun daily for the best fruit production. They can tolerate some partial afternoon shade, but this will reduce the overall fruit yield and may slow the tree’s mature growth rate.
Soil: These native trees are incredibly adaptable but prefer a deep, slightly acidic, well-drained loam. If you have heavy clay, amend the planting area with coarse organic matter like quality compost to ensure good drainage; for very sandy spots, this organic matter will help the soil hold necessary moisture and nutrients.

Watering Requirements

During the first two to three years of establishment, water deeply once a week, providing enough moisture to soak the root zone, especially when rainfall is scarce. Once mature, the American Persimmon is quite drought tolerant; however, inconsistent watering during fruit development will stress the tree and can cause premature fruit drop or result in smaller, less flavorful persimmons.

Pruning Tips

The American Persimmon primarily bears fruit on new wood from the current season’s growth, but pruning is mainly for structural support, not just bloom production. Perform corrective pruning in late winter while the tree is fully dormant to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The benefit is you are training a strong central leader and developing an open canopy to allow excellent air circulation and sunlight penetration for high-quality fruit.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer like a 10-10-10 or a formulation designed for fruit trees each spring as the new growth begins. The key here is moderation, as too much nitrogen can cause excessive vegetative growth instead of fruiting. What to avoid: Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages soft, late-season growth that is highly susceptible to winter injury.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Sweet Heritage Fruit And Four-Season Beauty

People across America are rediscovering the American Persimmon Tree (Diospyros virginiana) - a gorgeous native fruit tree with historical roots and modern appeal! Once a cherished food source for Native Americans, this easy-care tree produces nutrient-rich, edible fruit and shows off ornamental bark, vibrant foliage, and spectacular fall color.

With lush green leaves in spring, fragrant blooms in summer, and fiery autumn foliage that glows in red, orange, and gold, this tree provides four-season beauty. After leaf drop, its thick, blocky gray bark and hanging fruit add winter interest to your landscape. Cousin to the Asian Persimmon, it bears round fruit that ripens from green to orange, red, or even soft purple, offering a uniquely sweet, nutty flavor once fully ripe.

Native to much of the eastern United States, the American Persimmon is part of the Ebony family - related to the tropical Ebony tree prized for its rich, dark wood. Its fruit has nourished people and wildlife for centuries, used in puddings, breads, and even coffee-like drinks made from the roasted seeds. This is a tree that gives and gives - to you, your landscape, and your local ecosystem!

Key Features

Beautiful native fruit tree with ornamental bark and fall color
Sweet, soft-textured fruit with nutty flavor when ripe
Red, yellow, to purple fruit color progression
Thrives in full sun and a wide range of soil types
Four-season interest - spring foliage, summer flowers, fall fruit and color
Excellent for edible landscapes, orchards, and wildlife gardens
Cold-hardy and low maintenance once established

Landscaping Uses

Add an authentic touch of American heritage to your garden with this multi-use fruiting tree! Reaching 35–60 feet tall and up to 35 feet wide, the American Persimmon is perfect for large landscapes or naturalized plantings.

A specimen tree or anchor plant in the landscape
A naturalized thicket or wildlife hedge planting
A backdrop for perennial and shrub borders
An addition to a home orchard or edible garden
A conversation piece in native and heritage garden designs

Care & Maintenance

USDA Growing Zones: 4–9
This deciduous native fruit tree is hardy, resilient, and rewarding. It's drought-tolerant once established and thrives in full sun. For best fruiting, plant at least two trees for cross-pollination.

Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when the soil is workable. See Planting Fruit Trees for detailed tips
Sun Requirements: Full sun for maximum fruiting and color
Soil Requirements: Prefers enriched, well-drained soil, ideally moist sandy loam but adapts to clay and other soils
Moisture Needs: Moderate to low once established; use the Finger Test to monitor watering, and remember young trees need consistent moisture during their first year
Mulch: Apply a 3–4 inch layer of arborist mulch to conserve moisture and enrich soil health
Fertilization Needs: Use fertilizer for fruit trees in spring; compost and organic matter boost growth and yield.
Pruning Info: Prune while dormant in late winter or early spring; learn more with How to Prune a Persimmon Tree
Pollination Needs: Dioecious tree (male and female flowers on separate plants) - plant at least two for cross-pollination and better fruit set
Chill Hours: Low chill-hour requirement, ideal for a wide range of climates
Special Perks: Drought-tolerant, deer- and pest-resistant, minimal disease issues, low maintenance, and excellent wildlife value

Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong mycorrhizal symbiotic root support.

A Truly Sweet American Classic

Bring home a living piece of history! The American Persimmon Tree adds four-season beauty, outstanding fruit, and a heritage story worth sharing. With edible landscaping trending across the country, now's the perfect time to plant this native treasure.

You can even have a little fun with folklore; many gardeners still split Persimmon seeds open in the fall to "predict" the coming winter! According to old tradition, a spoon shape inside means heavy snow, a knife means a bitter, cutting cold, and a fork promises a mild, easy winter. Curious about other plant-based legends and truths? Explore more in Superstitions Rooted in Plants and the Truth on Growing a Successful Garden. It's just one more reason this tree is beloved for both its beauty and its seasonal charm.

Order your American Persimmon Tree today from Nature Hills and enjoy its timeless charm, abundant fruit, and natural beauty right in your own backyard!

FAQs

Is the American Persimmon self-pollinating?
No, most American Persimmons are dioecious, meaning you'll need at least two trees for proper pollination and fruiting. Learn more in Fruit Tree Pollination.

When does the American Persimmon produce fruit?
Fruits typically ripen in the fall, often after the leaves drop, revealing their striking orange to purple colors.

Can you eat American Persimmon fruit straight from the tree?
Yes, but only when fully ripe and soft. Unripe fruit is very astringent until it reaches full sweetness.

How fast does the American Persimmon grow?
It's a moderate grower, gaining about 12–24 inches per year under good conditions.

Is the American Persimmon tree good for wildlife?
Absolutely! Birds, deer, raccoons, and other wildlife love the sweet fruit, and the tree provides excellent habitat and cover.

Botanical Name

Diospyros virginiana
Class
- Oxalidales
Species

virginiana
Growing Zones

4-9
Height

30-60 ft
Width

20-40 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- White
- Yellow
Leaf Color
- Green
- Yellow
- Orange
Fall Color

Orange, Red
Native

Yes
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring, Early Summer
Does Not Ship To

AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 4-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are american persimmon trees self pollinating?

American persimmon trees are typically dioecious, meaning you need both male and female trees for fruit production. Most trees are either male or female, though occasional hermaphrodite trees exist. Plant multiple trees or ensure there's a male tree within pollinating distance for reliable fruit set.

What USDA planting zones are suitable for American persimmon trees?

American persimmon trees thrive in USDA zones 4-9, making them adaptable to most temperate climates. These cold-hardy natives tolerate diverse conditions once established. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil for best fruit production when you shop at Nature Hills.

How tall does an American persimmon tree grow at maturity?

American persimmon trees reach 35-60 feet tall and up to 35 feet wide at maturity. These are substantial native trees that need plenty of space to develop their full canopy. Plan for at least 35 feet of clearance from structures and other large trees.

What is the cold hardiness of American persimmon trees (lowest temperature they can survive)?

American persimmon trees are cold-hardy to USDA zones 4-9, tolerating winter temperatures as low as -30°F. As a native species across much of the eastern United States, they're naturally adapted to harsh winters. Plant in fall for best root establishment before winter.

How do I prune American persimmon trees, and what is the best tree form or shape?

Prune American persimmons lightly in late winter, focusing on removing dead or crossing branches rather than heavy shaping. These trees naturally develop an attractive vase-like form reaching 35-60 feet tall. Allow the central leader to grow and thin interior branches for airflow and fruit access when shopping at Nature Hills.

What are the watering and ongoing care requirements for American persimmon trees?

American persimmons are low maintenance once established and quite drought tolerant. Water regularly the first 2-3 years to establish deep roots, then only during extended dry periods. Apply mulch around the base and prune in late winter to remove dead wood or shape as needed.