American Persimmon, Possumwood
Diospyros Virginiana
Overview
American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), also known as Possumwood, is a native deciduous tree valued for its adaptability and wildlife benefits. Mature at 35-60 feet tall, with a 20-35 foot spread, it thrives in zones 4-9. Features distinctive blocky bark, glossy green leaves, and yellow-to-orange fruits after female tree's white flowers. Fruit is edible when soft, attracting birds and mammals. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils.

Culture
- Sun
- Full
- Water
- Low, Medium
- USDA zones
- 6–9
Shape & size
Classification
- Type
- Tree
- Family
- Ebenaceae
- Climate
- Temperate
See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.
Start your 14-day trialPhotos (139)
























Photographs by 16 contributors
- Anne H. Proffitt, CC BY 4.0 · source
- Austin Smith, CC BY 4.0 · source
- Ryan Watson, CC BY 4.0 · source
- Eric Toensmeier, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Ptelea, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Marija Gajić, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- KATHERINE WAGNER-REISS, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- naturedom12, CC BY 4.0 · source
- Austin R. Kelly, CC BY 4.0 · source
- Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Gaudaceous Cress, CC BY 4.0 · source
- Brandon Corder, CC BY 4.0 · source
- Fritzflohrreynolds, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Conway Hawn, CC BY 4.0 · source
- David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Related plants

Tree
Persimmon
Diospyros Kaki 'Fuyu'

Tree
Persimmon
Diospyros Kaki

Tree
20Th Century Pear
Pyrus Pyrifolia 'Nijisseiki'

Tree
Accolade Elm
Ulmus 'Morton' Accolade™

Tree
Acoma Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia Indica 'Acoma'

Conifer
Acrocona Dwarf Spruce
Picea Abies 'Acrocona'