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Persimmon – edible wild plant – how to find, identify, prepare, and other uses for survival.

Ripe Persimmon fruit

Persimmon tree plant (Diospyros virginiana and other species)

Persimmon treePersimmon tree flowerThe common persimmon trees (also known as American Persimmon, Eastern Persimmon, Simmon, Possumwood, and Sugar Plum) is a small tree (30-60 feet) with a short, skinny trunk and a round shaped top.  Its bark is dark brown or dark gray and divided into plates with a scaly surface.  They have alternate, dark green, elliptic leaves with entire margins that grow to 4-6 inches long and will likely be shiny, dark green on top and pale green underneath. Its fragrant flowers are inconspicuous with male flowers having 16 stamens arranged in pairs and female flowers having only traces of stamens. The fruits grow off of a very short stalk are round or oval, usually orange-yellow (ranging to bluish), about 1-3 inches in diameter, and have a sticky consistency, with 1-8 seeds per fruit.

Persimmon treeWhere to find Persimmon trees in the wild

The persimmon is a common forest margin tree. It is widespread in Africa, eastern North America (particularly the South Atlantic and Gulf states), and the Far East.  They prefer light, sandy, well-drained soil. These trees are native to China, Japan, Korea, and other parts of Southeast Asia. They have also been introduced to other regions such as North America, Europe, and South America.

In North America, persimmon trees can be found growing in the wild in several southern states, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida. They are also found in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

In Europe, persimmon trees can be found in the wild in parts of Spain and Italy. They have also been introduced to other parts of the continent.

Edible parts of the Persimmon tree

Persimmon fruit is strongly astringent.  The leaves are a good source of vitamin C. The fruits are edible raw, cooked, or dried. To make tea, dry the leaves and soak them in hot water. You can eat the roasted seeds or use them as a coffee substitute.

Note: Some people are unable to digest persimmon pulp. Unripe persimmons are highly astringent (tend to shrink or constrict body parts) and inedible.

Other uses for Persimmon trees

Apart from consuming the fruit of persimmon trees, there are other uses for these trees.

  • Woodworking: Persimmon wood is hard and dense, making it an excellent choice for woodworking. It is commonly used for golf club heads, billiard cues, and veneers for furniture.
  • Landscaping: Persimmon trees are often used in landscaping due to their beautiful foliage and unique bark. They also attract birds and other wildlife, making them a valuable addition to any garden or yard.
  • Medicinal: Different parts of persimmon trees have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. For example, the unripe fruit has been used to treat diarrhea, while the leaves have been used to make a tea that is said to have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Dyeing: The leaves and bark of persimmon trees can be used to create a natural dye that produces a range of colors from yellows to dark browns. This dye has been used for clothing and textiles for centuries.

Persimmon tree picture identification guide

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