American Persimmon

Ornamental Tree with Edible Fruit

A great trend in home gardening is ‘edible landscaping’. It’s the idea of mixing fruit and vegetable plants in with your regular perennials and flowers. Some fruits and veggies are easier to do that with than others. The persimmon is so easy, it’s a no-brainer. Beautiful flowers, sweet fragrance, ornamental bark, and delicious edible fruit on an easy-care tree. What’s not to love?

The persimmon is covered in sweet smelling flowers in the spring. These eventually lead to the fruit. The persimmon fruit starts out green (and sour!) but eventually turns to orange deep red or even soft purple. The mature 2-inch round fruit has a uniquely sweet but nutty flavor.

These trees look great all year. (When they’ve gone dormant for the winter they even have pretty bark!) They love the sun and look great in a mixed border. Try one with an under planting of daylilies and catmint.

Persimmon fruits are low in calories and fat, but high in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. They can be eaten fresh or used in preserves, pies, tarts, and even sorbets and ice creams.

Added bonus – in the fall the leaves turn shades of yellow, red and purple. Beautiful!

Persimmon trees are lovely ornamentals with outstanding fall fruit. The persimmon tree is, quite simply, an attractive tree with many benefits. Don’t miss having one of these in your garden this year.

* Edible fruit (2 trees required for pollination)
* Spring flowers
* Fall color
* Ornamental bark