Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon, USA

Common name: Japanese persimmon, Chinese persimmon

Family: Ebenaceae

Distribution: Japan & China

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Hardiness: Zone 7b 5 to 10 F

Life form: Deciduous tree

Usage: Ornamental fruiting shade tree

Comments: Japanese persimmon is a deciduous tree native to China, where it has been cultivated for centuries, spread to Korea and Japan, with a rounded spreading crown that typically grows to 20-30’ tall. This tree is noted not only for its edible fruits but also for its excellent ornamental features. Oval to obovate leaves to 6" long, emerge yellowish-green in spring, mature to glossy green in summer and turn gold to red in fall. Trees are usually dioecious, but some trees have both male and female flowers and in some cases also some perfect flowers. Notwithstanding the flower types, trees may set seedless fruit without pollination. Fragrant, non-showy flowers bloom in late spring, with the creamy-white female flowers appearing solitary and the pink-toned male flowers appearing in clusters of three. Edible persimmon fruits to 3-4" diameter, mature to bright orange in late fall, and may persist on the tree into winter. Fruits are particularly noticeable and attractive when hanging on a tree after leaf drop.
Best grown in deep, moist, slightly acidic, well-drained loams in full sun. Somewhat wide range of soil tolerance, but prefers moist, sandy soils. Drought tolerant.