Quick answer: Common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is native to 26 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Peterwchen, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay, acid-based, calcareous soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-Jun |
| Height | Up to 100 ft in rich soil, often ~15 ft |
| Wildlife value | Fruit attracts foxes, opossums, raccoons, skunks, deer, and birds, larval host for Luna moths, special value to honey bees |
Immature fruit contains tannin and is strongly astringent.
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Common persimmon
Where is Common persimmon native?
Common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is native to 26 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Common persimmon bloom?
Common persimmon blooms Apr-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Common persimmon need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Medium water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay, acid-based, calcareous soils. Mature height: Up to 100 ft in rich soil, often ~15 ft.
Is Common persimmon good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruit attracts foxes, opossums, raccoons, skunks, deer, and birds, larval host for Luna moths, special value to honey bees.
Is Common persimmon deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Common persimmon is drought-tolerant.
Is Common persimmon toxic?
Immature fruit contains tannin and is strongly astringent.
Where can I buy real Common persimmon seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Diospyros virginiana on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Common persimmon.
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
- Shortleaf pine Pinus echinata
- Maypop passionflower Passiflora incarnata
- Trumpet vine Campsis radicans
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
Also listed under
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