In this episode of Nature of the Upstate, we explore the American Persimmon, a small tree with edible fruit that I found growing in my front yard. We’ll learn some of its physical characteristics, how to harvest the fruit, what it tastes like, and some fun folklore.

Resources

Backyard Ecology. (n.d.). American Persimmon: A Native Fruit for You and Wildlife. https://www.backyardecology.net/american-persimmon/

Botanical Online. (n.d.). American Persimmon – Nutritional and Medicinal Uses. https://www.botanical-online.com/en/food/american-persimmmon

Clemson University Cooperative Extension. (n.d.). Diospyros virginiana Profile. https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/demo/plant_profiles/diospyros-virginiana.html

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). Diospyros virginiana. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/diospyros-virginiana/

Pharmacognosy Reviews. (2018). Pharmacological, phytochemical and ethnobotanical review of Diospyros virginiana L. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 12(24), 214–220. https://www.phcogrev.com/sites/default/files/PhcogRev_2018_12_24_214.pdf

Plants For A Future. (n.d.). Diospyros virginiana – American Persimmon. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Diospyros+virginiana

SC Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Diospyros virginiana. https://scnps.org/plants/diospyros-virginiana/

UNC Flora of the Southeastern United States. (n.d.). Diospyros virginiana Taxon Record. https://fsus.ncbg.unc.edu/main.php?pg=show-taxon.php&plantname=diospyros+virginiana

Wild Abundance. (n.d.). American Persimmon: Facts, Recipes, and Tips. Retrieved June 25, 2025. https://www.wildabundance.net/blog/american-persimmon-facts-recipes/

World Flora Online. (n.d.). Diospyros virginiana Taxonomic Record. https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000649953