Diospyros kaki: Japanese Persimmon

Introduction

Japanese persimmon is a species related to common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), but is native to Asia (China, Japan). It can grow to about 30 feet when mature. This is an excellent fruit tree for ornamental use and makes an excellent specimen. The tree is a sight to behold when leaves have fallen in autumn, displaying the bright yellow-orange fruits throughout the canopy. Similar to common persimmon, its preference is for a moist, well-drained soil in full sun locations. The tree has good drought tolerance. Japanese persimmon develops an attractive red fall color, but the 2- to 4-inch-diameter fruits can be a big mess when they fall from the tree.

General Information

Scientific name: Diospyros kaki

Pronunciation: dye-OSS-pih-ross KACK-eye

Common name(s): Japanese persimmon

Family: Ebenaceae

USDA hardiness zones: 7A through 9A (Fig. 2)

Origin: not native to North America

Invasive potential: little invasive potential

Uses: container or planter; fruit; specimen

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the tree

Description

Height: 20 to 30 feet

Spread: 15 to 25 feet

Crown uniformity: symmetrical

Crown shape: upright/erect, round

Crown density: dense

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: coarse

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: alternate (Fig. 3)

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: serrate, entire

Leaf shape: elliptic (oval), obovate

Leaf venation: pinnate, brachidodrome

Leaf type and persistence: deciduous

Leaf blade length: 4 to 8 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: yellow, orange, red

Fall characteristic: showy

Flower

Flower color: white/cream/gray

Flower characteristics: not showy

Fruit

Fruit shape: oval, round

Fruit length: 3 to 6 inches

Fruit covering: fleshy

Fruit color: orange

Fruit characteristics: attracts squirrels/mammals; showy; fruit/leaves a litter problem

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: branches droop; not showy; typically multi-trunked; thorns

Pruning requirement: little required

Breakage: resistant

Current year twig color: brown, gray

Current year twig thickness: medium

Wood specific gravity: unknown

Culture

Light requirement: full sun

Soil tolerances: clay; sand; loam; acidic; alkaline; well-drained

Drought tolerance: moderate

Aerosol salt tolerance: low

Other

Roots: not a problem

Winter interest: no

Outstanding tree: no

Ozone sensitivity: unknown

Verticillium wilt susceptibility: susceptible

Pest resistance: resistant to pests/diseases

Use and Management

Certainly not a street or parking lot tree, Japanese persimmon is probably best located as an occasional specimen where it can be viewed from a distance, away from walks. This will ensure that the fruit will drop on the lawn, not on a walk. Better yet, plant the tree in a loose, low-growing groundcover so dropping fruit will be hidden from view in the foliage of the groundcover.

Some non-astringent cultivars have been selected and could be available locally.

Pests and Diseases

A trouble-free tree, but messy in fruit.