Common Name: Persimmon
Scientific Name: Diospyros virginiana
Family: Ebenaceae
Origin: Eastern, Midwestern United States
The persimmon is a medium sized tree growing to heights of around 35-60 feet tall. The leaves of the persimmon appear dark green in coloration and grow to 2-6 inches long. The leaf shape is ovate to elliptical, with leaves having a rounded point at the end. Persimmons are typically dioecious, meaning that the male and female portion of a flower are found on separate male and female trees. Trees will produce white fragrant flowers from May-June. The male flowers are arranged in clusters and the female flowers are mostly found solitary. After flowers are pollinated, edible orange fruits develop which can be used to make jams and pies. This tree is very easy to identify due to its characteristic thick, dark-gray bark that is broken into rectangular geometric blocks, almost resembling a rocky or gravelly texture.