When does Diospyros virginiana bloom?

American persimmon blooms in May and June, producing small greenish-yellow flowers that attract bees and beetles for pollination.

Where is Diospyros virginiana native?

American persimmon is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Connecticut and New York south to Florida and west to Kansas and Texas.

What pollinators visit Diospyros virginiana?

The flowers of American persimmon are visited primarily by bees and beetles, which help pollinate the trees for fruit production.

What growing conditions does Diospyros virginiana prefer?

American persimmon is adaptable to various light conditions from full sun to partial sun and tolerates a wide range of moisture levels from wet to dry soils.

Is Persimmon toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Persimmon as toxic to livestock.

Is Persimmon HOA-friendly?

Persimmon takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Persimmon

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Diospyros virginiana

Last reviewed: June 2026

Diospyros virginiana is a native deciduous tree producing sweet orange persimmon fruits in fall. Found across eastern and central United States, it blooms in late spring and supports bees and beetles.

Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) — Photo: naturedom12 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Persimmon as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–600" H × 180"–360" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

American persimmon is a medium to large native tree that produces edible orange fruits in fall. It has attractive glossy green leaves that turn yellow-orange in autumn and develops interesting blocky bark with age.

Growing Persimmon

Grow Persimmon in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Persimmon takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Fruit drop creates mess and attracts wildlife
Can sucker and spread aggressively
Very large mature size may overwhelm typical residential lots

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and beetles, while the sweet fruits are highly valued by wildlife including birds, raccoons, and deer. The tree provides good nesting habitat and shade.

Common questions

When does Diospyros virginiana bloom?: American persimmon blooms in May and June, producing small greenish-yellow flowers that attract bees and beetles for pollination.
Where is Diospyros virginiana native?: American persimmon is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Connecticut and New York south to Florida and west to Kansas and Texas.
What pollinators visit Diospyros virginiana?: The flowers of American persimmon are visited primarily by bees and beetles, which help pollinate the trees for fruit production.
What growing conditions does Diospyros virginiana prefer?: American persimmon is adaptable to various light conditions from full sun to partial sun and tolerates a wide range of moisture levels from wet to dry soils.
Is Persimmon toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Persimmon as toxic to livestock.
Is Persimmon HOA-friendly?: Persimmon takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Persimmon? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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