Few fruits have as much unexplored potential as the American persimmon (Diospyros americana). The meaning of their name is fruit of the gods. They ripen from August all the way through to October, depending on the individual. In some cases they hang on the tree through till December or even January, drying out and becoming even sweeter as they adorn the tree covered in snow as if they were ornaments. Any male trees can be grafted with female wood.

The flavor is quite different from the better-known Asian persimmon (Diospyros kaki). These fruits have a complex flavor with hints of butterscotch and dried date, but in truth is so unique and distinct that everyone should try one and describe it for themselves.

These trees are for the most part dioecious, meaning that there are males and females. Buying seedlings means that there’s no way to know if they are males or females, so it’s safer to have 3-4 trees to ensure that you will have both sexes in your planting.

American persimmons are incredibly well adapted to life in North America, especially the east coast from Vermont to Florida, and west Texas and Kansas. They reportedly thrive in many regions of the west coast, though I know very little about that. They are adapted in that the timing of their life cycle phases (phenology) is attuned to the climatic fluctuations that occur in North America. In addition to this, they have native pollinator friends and they have few serious pests and diseases. So few in fact that the trees can simply be expected to bear heavy crops of fruit every year with no care at all, which is a very rare thing in the world of fruit growing.