Japanese Persimmon
Diospyros kaki
Also listed as Diospyros chinensis, Diospyros amara
Also known as Persimmon
Climate Match for your location
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Japanese persimmon is a deciduous fruit tree prized for its sweet, orange fruits that ripen in fall. It grows moderately to reach 25–40 feet tall and produces ornamental foliage that turns vibrant colors before leaf drop.
Why grow it
Japanese persimmon produces larger, seedless fruit than many native persimmon species and ripens later in the season, extending the harvest window into winter. The tree's moderate size and ornamental appeal (colorful fall foliage, attractive form) make it more versatile for residential landscapes than purely functional fruit trees. In suitable climates, it requires less pest and disease pressure than many stone fruits, though it is less cold-hardy than American persimmon varieties.
Watch out for
Fruit quality and ripening depend significantly on cultivar selection and adequate summer heat, with some varieties remaining astringent even when ripe if conditions are marginal. Trees may produce inconsistent yields in years with late spring frosts or inadequate chilling hours, so local cultivar recommendations are worth consulting before planting. Fallen fruit can create a slip hazard on hard surfaces and may attract wildlife or fermentation issues if not managed.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ebenaceae
Native Range
China and Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Japanese persimmon is a deciduous fruit tree prized for its sweet, orange fruits that ripen in fall. It grows moderately to reach 25–40 feet tall and produces ornamental foliage that turns vibrant colors before leaf drop.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Japanese Persimmon grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Japanese persimmon produces larger, seedless fruit than many native persimmon species and ripens later in the season, extending the harvest window into winter. The tree's moderate size and ornamental appeal (colorful fall foliage, attractive form) make it more versatile for residential landscapes than purely functional fruit trees. In suitable climates, it requires less pest and disease pressure than many stone fruits, though it is less cold-hardy than American persimmon varieties.
Watch out for
Fruit quality and ripening depend significantly on cultivar selection and adequate summer heat, with some varieties remaining astringent even when ripe if conditions are marginal. Trees may produce inconsistent yields in years with late spring frosts or inadequate chilling hours, so local cultivar recommendations are worth consulting before planting. Fallen fruit can create a slip hazard on hard surfaces and may attract wildlife or fermentation issues if not managed.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ebenaceae
Native Range
China and Japan
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
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