Diospyros virginiana

Persimoen / American persimmon, Common persimmon, Persimmon

Ebenaceae

Edible plant part (1)

Fruits
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

None

American persimmon, Common persimmon, Persimmon belongs to the small trees-large shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a mid and late species. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 6 to 15 meter. and a width of 4 to 8 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is half-open. The American persimmon, Common persimmon, Persimmon is decidious. It buds in april.
This species forms a heart-shaped medium deep root system. This species is non spreading in the food forest. American persimmon, Common persimmon, Persimmon is no nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Chris Light, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Persimmon_%28Diospyros_virginiana%29_20-10-08_022.jpg

foto: Chris Light, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Persimmon_%28Diospyros_virginiana%29_20-10-08_022.jpg

foto: Daderot, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diospyros_virginiana_%C3%97_kaki_%27Nikita%27s_Gift%27_-_Oregon_Garden_-_Silverton,_Oregon_-_DSC00168.jpg

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

neutral

alkaline

very alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): early june, mid june, end of june
Flowering period (length): several months, several weeks
Pollination vector: insects
Plant reproductive fertility: male and female plants needed, not applicable, partially self-fertile, self sterile, varies per cultivar

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

resistant

Main serious pests and diseases

black leaf spot

Harvest and Consumption

Fruits

Harvest location edible part: Above reach, high, but within reach
Harvesting period - start: End of september, early october, mid november
Harvesting period - length: Month, several months
Harvesting period - recognition: Easy, dropping, easy, hardness
Harvesting period - uniformity: High
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand
Size edible parts: Medium
Post harvest ripening: Yes
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Month, several months
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 5
Productive life span - start (year) - maximum: 6

Culinary appreciation

Rich, complex flavor with a juicy, soft texture. Suitable for eating fresh, but also excellent when frozen, used in sauces, or served as a pudding, especially during Thanksgiving.

References