American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
 
The American persimmon is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to the eastern and southeastern United States. Typically growing 30 to 60 feet tall, it has a straight trunk and a rounded or spreading crown. Its bark is dark, deeply fissured, and almost blocky in texture, resembling alligator skin. The leaves are oval, glossy green in summer, turning golden yellow in fall. In late spring to early summer, the tree produces small, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers—white to pale yellow—followed by round, orange to reddish fruits that ripen in autumn. Though astringent when unripe, the soft, sweet fruit is highly prized when fully mature and is used in puddings, preserves, and baked goods. The American persimmon is also a valuable wildlife tree, providing food for deer, foxes, raccoons, and birds. Resilient and rustic, it thrives in a variety of soils and brings both beauty and bounty to native landscapes.