Diospyros kaki

Japanese Persimmon

Family: Ebenaceae

Zone: 7-9                              Average Size: 15’H x 10’W

Identification:

-Low, mounding to rounded form with stout horizontal branches
-Simple leaf, ovate, leathery, glossy green above pubescent below
-Prominent lenticels on stems
-Large orange fruit in autumn, edible

Note: The Japanese Persimmon is a popular fruit crop in Asia and easily grown in fertile, well drained soils and full sunlight in the lower South. Much variety exists between cultivars in fruit shape, but the large fruit are very showy on the trees in autumn and persist on the trees after leaf drop. Fruit may become a maintenance issue in more manicured landscapes.

Campus Location: Hill Farm Teaching Facility, orchard