Diospyros (Persimmon)

Whether you crave a fall fruit that glows like the harvest moon or a hardy, handsome tree for your edible landscape, Diospyros—the persimmon genus—has something for you. From classic Japanese persimmons to America’s own native wild persimmon, these trees bring jewel-like fruit, easy elegance, and low-maintenance beauty to gardens big and small.

Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is the star: a deciduous, spreading tree with glossy leaves and showy orange fruit. ‘Fuyu’ (Fuyu) is non-astringent—enjoy it crisp like an apple! ‘Jiro’ (Jiro) is compact and cold-hardy, while ‘Hachiya’ (Hachiya) is famed for melting, honey-sweetness—just wait for it to go fully soft. ‘Saijo’ (Saijo) is beloved for its slender, super-sweet fruit that must also fully ripen for best flavor.

Native to the American South and Midwest, American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is prized for its golden fall color, extreme winter hardiness, wildlife value, and sometimes legendary, caramel-like fruit.

Persimmons thrive in full sun, tolerate a range of soils (so long as they drain), and are drought-hardy once established. Their fruit, high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, ripens from late fall through early winter—just when fresh flavors are most welcome. From immunity to glowing skin: Discover the power of persimmons.

Plant a persimmon for easy-care shade, dazzling autumn displays, and sweet, unforgettable homegrown harvests! Choose the Right Persimmon: Fuyu, Hachiya, Saijo & Beyond