Diospyros virginiana
| Scientific Name: | Diospyros virginiana |
| Synonym: | |
| Family: | Ebenaceae |
| Common Name: | Persimmon |
| Authority: | Linnaeus |
| Etymology: | Diospyros = Greek for "divine fruit", virginiana = from Virginia |
| C Value: | 2 |
| Wetness: | FAC |
| # of Species in Genus in Illinois: | 1 |
| Duration: | Perennial |
| Reproduction: | Dioecious |
| Flower Type: | Imperfect |
| Flower Shape: | Zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical) |
| Flower # of Parts: | 4 |
| Flower Color: | Yellow |
| Growth Habit: | Woody |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Alternate |
| Leaf Type: | Simple |
| Leaf Shape: | Oval (widest at middle) |
| Leaf Shape Term: | |
| Leaf Margin: | Entire |
| Leaf Toothing: | |
| Stem Surface: | Glabrous (smooth) |
| Trunk/Bark: | Blocky |
| Armature: | None |
| Twig Characteristics: | |
| Habitat: | Forest, Roadside |
| Distribution: | BONAP Distribution Map |
| Status (State): | Not Listed |
| Status (Federal): | Not Listed |
| ID Tips: | Has very wide, prominent midvein in leaves. Has very blocky bark. Has small, black buds. |
| Gee Whiz: | The seeds are fabled to predict the winter. Carefully split one open and look inside. If there is a fork shape, expect a cold winter with light, fluffy snow. If there is a spoon shape, expect a heavy snow year. If there is a knife, expect cold, piercing winds. |
| Humor: | A ripe persimmon fruit is one of the tastiest things and an unripe fruit is one of the worst tasting things! |
| More Info: | Illinois Wildflowers Search |