This deciduous Florida Native tree produces edible fruits (you need 2 trees). They can adapt pretty well to varying pH in soils and can be planted in shady areas. Their long dark green, glossy oblong leaves often have reddish tips and turn yellow-green in the fall and they get small yellow cream colored flowers which makes them aesthetically pleasing.
How to care for Native Persimmon
Light. Grows best in full sun and also takes part sun.
Water. Water regularly until established. It prefers moist soil and tolerates short dry spells and occasional flooding.
Soil and feeding. Grows in sandy, limestone or loamy soil and adapts to soil pH. It needs fairly fertile soil with organic matter on top, and may decline in poor sand.
Size. Grows to about 15–20 ft; in South Florida it can reach 30 ft. It drops its leaves in winter.
Problems to watch. Tent caterpillars can be unsightly but are mostly cosmetic. Fallen fruit can be messy.
Good to know. A Florida native found south to Miami-Dade. Female trees fruit only with a male nearby. Eat only fully ripe fruit; unripe fruit is very astringent. It is a host plant for the luna moth.
Sources: Natives for Your Neighborhood (Institute for Regional Conservation): Diospyros virginiana · Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database: Diospyros virginiana
