Nursery grown

American Persimmon

Name: American Persimmon
Brand: American Persimmon

Diospyros virginiana

Nursery-grown American Persimmon trees, ready to plant

$54.95 1 Gallon

Size

Quantity1

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Grows 12-18 inches per year and matures to 35-60 feet, making it ideal for long-term shade
Produces edible fruit that attracts wildlife; extremely drought-tolerant once established
Adapts to poor, compacted soil and clay where other trees fail

Secure checkoutShips in its nursery containerGrowing guides included

About this plant

American Persimmon is a deciduous shade tree native to eastern North America, hardy from USDA zones 4-9. It produces fruit that turns edible once fully ripe and soft, often after the first frost, attracts wildlife, and transforms landscapes with fall colors ranging from yellow to deep red. The long taproot makes it exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, and it adapts to poor, compacted soils where other trees struggle. Large amounts of unripe fruit and seeds can form bezoars in horses and dogs, so clean up fallen fruit where animals graze or roam.

Each tree arrives in a nursery container (1 or 3 gallon size). Upon arrival, water thoroughly and place in a location matching the full-sun to part-shade requirements. Plant within a few weeks into well-drained soil at the same depth it was growing in the container. Water regularly the first season to establish the deep taproot system.

Giving a Persimmon Tree Room to Grow

A long taproot means it settles in once and stays for good.

Yard shade

Allow 20 to 35 feet between trees so the oval crown has space to spread.

Wildlife corner

Ripe fruit after frost draws birds and other animals, and spring flowers come in May or June.

Edible planting

Group it with pawpaw and serviceberry for a native fruiting layout.

Poor soil site

Compacted or poor ground suits it, and the taproot supports drought tolerance.

Not ideal for: The taproot makes a pot a short-term home, so plan on ground planting.

Good to know: Unripe fruit can cause bezoars in horses and dogs, so clean up drops where animals roam.

American Persimmon at a glance

Botanical name	Diospyros virginiana
Plant type	deciduous tree
USDA zones	4-9
Mature height	35-60 ft (some wild specimens to 80 ft)
Mature width	20-35 ft
Sun	full sun to part shade; best fruiting in full sun
Water	average to moist, well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established via a deep taproot
Bloom time	late spring, typically May-June
Bloom color	creamy white to pale yellow-green, not showy
Growth rate	slow to moderate; roughly 12-18 in. per year once established
Deer resistance	low resistance (deer readily browse fallen fruit and can browse young foliage)
Best planting time	early spring or fall, while dormant; container-grown trees can be planted spring through fall

Container sizes explained

#1 / 1 Gallon	A trade one gallon pot (about 6.5 inches). One to two seasons older than a quart, with an established root system.
#2 / 2 Gallon	A trade two gallon pot. Common for peonies and perennials that need root room; usually blooms the first or second year.
#3 / 3 Gallon	A trade three gallon pot (about 10 inches). A well-developed shrub or small tree, often 2 to 4 feet tall on arrival.

Questions before you buy

Which size should I choose, 1 gallon or 3 gallon?

Choose the 1 gallon for smaller spaces or budget-conscious planting; it will grow at the same rate once established. The 3 gallon offers a head start with more immediate presence and a larger root system to handle establishment stress.

When should I plant my persimmon after it arrives?

Plant within a few weeks of arrival. Water thoroughly when it arrives and keep the container moist if planting must be delayed. Choose a location with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, setting it at the same depth it was growing in the container.

How large does American Persimmon grow?

Mature trees typically reach 35-60 feet tall with a spread of 20-35 feet, though some wild specimens reach 80 feet. Growth is slow to moderate at roughly 12-18 inches per year once established, so your tree will take many years to reach full size.

How much sun does American Persimmon need?

American Persimmon thrives in full sun to part shade, though full sun produces the best fruit set. It also tolerates part shade.

What zones can I grow American Persimmon in?

American Persimmon is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Check your local zone and verify with your local nursery or extension office if you are near a zone boundary.

What special care does my persimmon need the first year?

Water regularly during the first season to help establish the deep taproot system. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid heavy fertilizing; American Persimmon thrives in poor soils and excess nitrogen can delay fruiting.