How to Grow Diospyros Virginiana - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Diospyros virginiana is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to the eastern United States. The tree typically grows to a height of 15-30 feet and has a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oblong-shaped with a slightly toothed margin. The flowers are small and white, and the fruit is a small, dark-colored drupe. The tree is often used as an ornamental tree, and the fruit is sometimes used for making preserves.

How to Grow Diospyros Virginiana - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • American persimmon
  • possumwood
  • bowwood
  • meeting-tree
  • simmon

Things to Know

  • Diospyros virginiana is a species of tree in the family Ebenaceae.
  • It is native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia and Maine south to Georgia and Alabama.
  • It typically grows to 20–30 m (66–98 ft) tall and 15 cm (9 in) in diameter.
  • The bark is dark brown to black and deeply furrowed.
  • The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate to oblong-ovate, 5–15 cm (0–9 in) long and 5–5 cm (0.98–95 in) wide, with a toothed margin.
  • The flowers are small and yellowish-green, borne in clusters of 3-
  • The fruit is a black Drupe, 5–5 cm (0–95 in) in diameter, containing two seeds.
  • The wood is hard and dense, with a dark brown to black color.
  • It is used for furniture, flooring, and other wood products.
  • Diospyros virginiana is susceptible to various diseases and pests, including the destructive Diospyros root rot.

Related plant:
Diospyros Kaki

Growing Steps

  1. For diospyros virginiana, first step is to find a good location. The tree should be planted in full sun to partial shade.
  2. The second step is to prepare the soil. The tree does best in well-drained, fertile soils.
  3. The third step is to dig a hole that is twice the width of the tree’s root ball and just as deep.
  4. The fourth step is to remove the tree from its container and place it in the hole.
  5. The fifth step is to backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  6. The sixth step is to water the tree well.
  7. The seventh step is to apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree, being sure to keep it away from the trunk.
  8. The eighth step is to fertilize the tree each year with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. The ninth step is to prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape.
  10. The tenth and final step is to enjoy your beautiful diospyros virginiana tree!

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, (D. virginiana) can be described as follows: (D. virginiana) is best adapted to well drained soils, and is particularly tolerant of dry, rocky sites. It is not very tolerant of wet soils, and will only grow in poorly drained soils if they are not too wet.

Light requirement

Similar to other trees, the American Persimmon needs sunlight to produce food for itself. leaves are the food producing organ in a tree, and they need sunlight to complete the process of photosynthesis. In general, trees need at least six hours of sunlight each day to remain healthy. American Persimmon trees are no different, and will likely need at least this much sunlight to remain healthy and produce fruit.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the diospyros virginiana, also known as the American persimmon, is important to consider when growing this tree. This species is native to the eastern United States, where it prefers a warm climate. However, it can tolerate colder temperatures as long as it is not exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods of time. When grown in colder climates, the diospyros virginiana will typically lose its leaves earlier in the fall and experience delayed bud break in the spring.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. The American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. It is most commonly found in the Appalachian Mountains and the Ozark Plateau. The tree grows to a height of 30-50 feet and has a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet. The leaves are elliptical in shape and are dark green in color. The flowers are small and white, and the fruit is a orange-yellow drupe. The American persimmon is intolerant of high humidity, and the leaves will begin to turn yellow and drop off the tree if the humidity is too high. The tree will also lose its leaves if the temperature drops below freezing. The ideal temperature range for this tree is between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this plant benefits from a light application of compost in the spring. You can also top dress with compost or manure in the fall. As far as the roots go, they are relatively deep and wide-spreading, so be careful not to damage them when cultivating around the plant.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a vital part of keeping your persimmon tree healthy and productive. Persimmons are generally very tolerant of pruning, so don't be afraid to cut away dead or diseased branches, or to thin out the canopy to allow more light and air circulation.

The Propagation

Propagation of the American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is typically done through rooting of softwood or hardwood cuttings taken from the desired tree. American Persimmon trees can also be propagated through seed, but this method is not as reliable. The most common method of propagation is through rooting of softwood cuttings taken from the desired tree. To do this, take a cutting from the desired tree that is approximately 6-8 inches long. Be sure to take the cutting from an area of the tree that is currently growing. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer. Once you have your cutting, remove any leaves that are on the lower half of the cutting. Dip the cut end of the cutting into rooting hormone and then plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting well and place the pot in a warm, sunny location. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and in a few weeks you should see new growth. At this point, you can slowly begin to harden off the cutting by reducing water and allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Once the cutting is established, you can transplant it into its permanent location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate takes place during the spring when the weather is warm and precipitation is adequate. However, the plant continues to grow throughout the summer and fall, although at a slower rate. Growth slows down and eventually stops during the winter when the weather is cold and there is less precipitation.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are: 1. Fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and black spot. These can be controlled with fungicide sprays. 2. Bacterial diseases such as fire blight and bacterial leaf spot. These can be controlled with bactericide sprays. 3. Insect pests such as Aphids, scales, whiteflies, and mealybugs. These can be controlled with insecticide sprays.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant your diospyros virginiana in an area that gets full sun.
  • Diospyros virginiana prefers well-drained soil.
  • Be sure to water your diospyros virginiana regularly.
  • Fertilize your diospyros virginiana every few weeks during the growing season.
  • Prune your diospyros virginiana regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Diospyros virginiana is susceptible to several pests and diseases. Be sure to watch for signs of these and take steps to control them.
  • Harvest your diospyros virginiana fruit when it is fully ripe.
  • Diospyros virginiana can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
  • Diospyros virginiana makes an excellent ornamental plant.
  • Diospyros virginiana is also known as the American persim

Related Plants

  • Diospyros decandra
  • Diospyros discolor
  • Diospyros divaricata
  • Diospyros dysoxylon
  • Diospyros existens
  • Diospyros ferrea
  • Diospyros ferruginosa
  • Diospyros fischeri
  • Diospyros fragrans
  • Diospyros frutescens

Source:
Diospyros virginiana | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Diospyros virginiana | Landscape Plant Propagation Information
Diospyros virginiana | Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category