American Persimmon Tree

Diospyros virginiana

$79⁹⁹

In Stock
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Plant Size

#1 Container 3-4 Feet

Product variants

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Highlights

American Persimmon Tree highlights at a glance!

Specifications

Brand

Nature Hills' Choice
Botanical Name

Diospyros virginiana
Growing Zones

5-9
Mature Height

30 - 50 feet
Mature Spread

20 - 35 feet
Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Moisture

Moderate, Low
Soil

Well-Drained
Growth Rate

Medium
Flower Color

White
Fall Color

Orange, Red
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pollinator Required

Yes
Pruning Time

When Dormant
Bloom Period

Late Spring

Growing Zones 5-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

People across America are searching for native trees that bear healthy fruit and bring an exotic flair to their yards. Enjoyed for many thousands of years by the Native Americans for fresh eating, as well as a cooked and dried food staple, the American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is coming back into vogue.

The Persimmon offers ornamental bark, wonderfully robust foliage, tremendous fall color, and delicious edible fruit on an easy-care plant. What's not to love? People are really starting to value our native trees and discovering the thrill of growing their food. What a joy to have a plant that gives you food!

American Persimmon trees look great all year! Nature Hills is seeing a huge trend in home gardening called edible landscaping. It's the idea of mixing fruit and vegetable plants in with your ornamental perennials and flowers.

Cousins to the Asian Persimmon, American Persimmon trees produce round fruit that starts green, then turns to orange, deep red, or even soft purple. Ripe fruit has a uniquely sweet but nutty flavor. With a soft texture, American Persimmon fruit has been baked into puddings and pies for many centuries.

Persimmon fruits are low in calories and fat, but high in fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients. The fruit is commonly eaten fresh off the tree where it will hang until after the leaves drop. The fruit is also used in making breads and puddings as well as ice cream, syrups, and Persimmon pies.

From the brilliant bright green leaves of spring to the wonderful mixed red and orange fall colors, the American Persimmon has a ornamental display value in a naturalized landscape. When they've gone dormant even the bark is pretty! The bark is thick dark gray and corky, broken into even rectangular blocks. You'll love the very distinctive look in winter.

Planting and Application:

Native Americans and the first European settlers immediately saw the value in this incredibly versatile plant. Few other plants offered so much as the American Persimmon. From food to medicine to tool making and dyes, the American Persimmon could provide like no other native plant.

Today, its value is both edible and ornamental. We no longer make tools or golf club heads from the wood, nor dyes from the bark or a coffee-like drink from the dried ground seeds.

In the wild, mature trees typically grow as a thicket. Try recreating this natural look by planting several trees together in a pretty grouping. This is an outstanding plant to adorn the back of the garden or to help anchor a border in the landscape. They love full sun and look great in a mixed border or hedgerow.

One thing is for sure. You'll ALWAYS have something to talk about with your guests who are new to your garden when you plant a heritage tree like this one. You’ll also love the other four-legged and feathered willdife guests that will be stopping by!

Red to Yellow to Purple Fruit
Astringent Unripe Fruit
Sweet, Delicious, Soft Textured Nutty Flavored When Ripe
Beautiful Native Fruit Tree
Lovely Fall Color
Ornamental Bark & Branching
Four Season Tree, Specimens, Backyard Orchards, Thickets & Mixed Hedges

#ProPlantTips for Care:

American Persimmons need full sun, and are widely adaptable and grow in a wide range of soil types. They prefer moist, sandy locations with well-drained soil. They are drought tolerant in dry locations once established. Plant with Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong symbiotic support of the root system. Although some flowers may be perfect, most plants have separate male and female trees (dioecious). We suggest you plant at least two (or more) to increase pollination chances. A 3-4 inch thick layer of arborist mulch boosts the health of the tree as does a regular amount of acid-loving plant fertilizer.

Easy to grow, American Persimmon does require cross-pollination. The unripe fruit is astringent and is best after it's soft and fully ripe in fall. You can also pick unripe fruit after it takes on its fall color. You'll then let it fully ripen to soft for the best flavor. You'll then let it fully ripen to soft for the best flavor. These plants have no serious insect or disease problems and the plant requires very little maintenance beyond a late winter/early spring pruning.

Full Sun
Enriched Well-Drained Soil
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
Prune When Dormant - Late Winter/Early Spring
Appreciates Mulched Beds & Regular Fertilizer
Low Chill Hour Needs

Don't miss this chance to own a piece of American history! The American Persimmon is a lovely ornamental that also gives us outstanding fall fruit. Quite simply, this tree is an attractive option with many benefits. Don't miss having one of these in your garden this year!

Shipped and arrived promptly and

Shipped and arrived promptly and tree has thrived since i planted it

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! We're delighted to hear that your tree arrived promptly and that it has been thriving since you planted it. Your success is exactly why we’re passionate about what we do!

If you ever need tips or guidance on continued care to keep your tree healthy, or if you’re considering adding more greenery to your space, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support your gardening journey.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Shipped and arrived promptly and

Shipped and arrived promptly and tree has thrived since i planted it

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that your tree arrived promptly and is thriving since you planted it. It’s always our goal to ensure our plants start their new homes with the best possible care right from the shipping process to your planting.

If you ever have any questions about your tree’s care or want tips for continued growth, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you on every step of your gardening journey.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

persimmon

Question: Is there a miniature persimmon? I have a small yard. At a rest stop off an interstate in Virginia, we found ripe persimmons about 1 1/2" in diameter. The tree was about 20 ft tall and about 12 ft in diameter. Answer from Nature Hills: Both the Japanese and the American persimmon tree grow to be about the same size 15 to 25 feet. A recommendation would be the Japanese persimmon called Fuyu as it is the hardest Japanese variety (6b). We do grow many varieties of the Japanese persimmon but none of the American, which is much hardier for growing zones 5a to 5b.

Hello Bandit,

Thank you so much for reaching out with your thoughtful question about miniature persimmons—and for sharing that charming memory from the Virginia rest stop! It’s great to hear how enjoyable persimmons can be in different settings.

While both American and Japanese persimmon trees generally reach similar mature sizes (between 15 and 25 feet tall), we completely understand the need for a smaller option when space is limited. Although there isn’t a true dwarf variety of persimmon commonly available, you might consider growing your Japanese persimmon ‘Fuyu’ or other Japonica types in containers. With careful pruning and container gardening techniques, you can control growth and keep the tree more compact. Choosing espalier training against a wall or fence could also maximize your outdoor space beautifully.

If you’d like, we can provide guidance on suitable container sizes, pruning tips, and fertilization schedules to maintain your tree’s health at a smaller footprint. Feel free to let us know if you'd like more detailed info!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Setting of new trees

I have several persimmon trees on my property right now. I would like to have one closer to the house. How far apart can the trees be set and still bear fruit? Answer from Nature Hills: Honey bees and bumble bees visit persimmon blossoms freely for nectar and pollen. Bees generally distribute pollen although wind can carry the pollen great distances but wind is less dependable than bees for pollination. Planting trees within 25 yards of each other should easily provide insect access for pollination.

Hi Erb12,

Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your question about planting American Persimmon trees closer to your home! It’s wonderful to hear you’re working to expand your persimmon grove.

You’re on the right track with the spacing considerations. Planting your American persimmon trees within about 25 yards of each other is ideal—it ensures that bees, like honey bees and bumblebees, can effectively transfer pollen between blossoms to support good fruit production. Since these bees are primary pollinators, maintaining a closer distance also helps make the pollination more reliable compared to wind alone.

For best results near the house, select a site that offers full sun and well-draining soil, and avoid areas prone to standing water. Also, keep in mind that proper pruning will promote healthy growth and better fruit yields as the trees mature.

If you’d like, we’re always here to help with planting tips, fertilizing advice, or troubleshooting as your trees establish themselves. Don’t hesitate to contact us anytime!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Gem in disguise

I have a wild persimmon that was about 4 feet tall when I built my house 7 years ago. The builders wanted to remove it but I didn't let them. I had no idea it was a persimmon tree, the builders called it a Junk tree,urban 2 years ago when it developed lovely fruit i was shocked! It's 22ft tall now. There is nothing like it in my neighborhood so I'm wondering how it pollinates? I do have 2 apples, a peach, 3 pears and a plum tree that I planted myself, they are all fruitful as well. The birds love this persimmon tree and it's wonderful to sit under because of its canopy. I'm so glad I chose to keep it! It was a gem in disguise! I don't do a thing to it except I did cut the lower branches so we could sit under it. It's huge!

Hello Marti,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story and lovely review of your American Persimmon tree! It’s truly heartwarming to hear how you stood your ground to protect what many might have overlooked—your persistence has created a beautiful, thriving gem right in your yard. Your persimmon’s journey from a misunderstood “junk tree” to a 22-foot centerpiece producing fruit is inspiring!

Regarding pollination, American Persimmons can be a little unique. Some trees are now known to be either “dioecious” (needing both male and female trees) or “hermaphroditic” (bearing both kinds of flowers). If your tree fruits on its own, it’s likely of a variety that can self-pollinate, which is wonderful news! Interactions with your nearby fruit trees probably also help increase pollination thanks to the insects and pollinators in your garden. Pitfall: if your wild tree’s fruit is smaller or less consistent some years, having a second persimmon nearby can boost fruit set. You might consider planting a cultivar recommended for your zone if you’re interested in expanding your harvest.

We admire how you’ve trimmed the lower branches for a lovely shaded seating area—a perfect way to connect with this gem of a tree! Keeping enrichment like water during dry periods and a layer of mulch can also support your tree’s ongoing health and flourishing canopy. If you’re ever curious about fertilization schedules or pest management tips specifically for persimmons, feel free to reach out to us!

Thank you again, Marti, for giving your persimmon a chance and celebrating the nature and beauty in your yard.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

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Under $50	$9.99
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American Persimmon Tree

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