A native Kentucky Tree

Persimmon Tree - Jenny Wiley State Park, Kentucky

The persimmon  (Diospyros virginiana)  is native to the Kentucky mountains and hills. Persimmon is often growing on drier upland sites that receive adequate moisture.  It grows naturally in open areas on rocky hillsides. Heights are typically 20 to 30 feet tall. It is best known for its fruit.  In Indiana at Spring Mill State park the lodge serves a delicious persimmon offering.  It is provided similar to a fruit pie.  Wildlife find and eat the fruit.  Persimmon trees are either male or female; the trees cannot self-pollinate. Only the female Persimmon tree bears fruit. The leaves are simple, alternate, 2 to 6 inches long, and 1 to 3 inches wide. They are ovate to elliptical and are shiny green. The bark is brown to dark grey and is very deeply furrowed giving it a distinct blocky appearance. The dark heartwood is very hard and takes a century to develop. Besides Dogwood and Ironwood Trees, the Persimmon ranks third in wood hardness and is used largely in the production of golf club heads.  The fruit matures in September to October and is orange in color.  The fruit becomes soft when ripe. Each  fruit is about round; about 1 to 2 inches across.  Animals of varying species love the fruit.  The wild animals may beat you to the fruit before you get a chance to find it. The fruit has a very sweet taste that some say mimic the taste of dates. It can be eaten raw or made into pies, or cookies.