🍎 Persimmon
Diospyros kaki (Asian) / D. virginiana (American)
fruits deciduous tree
☀️ Sun
full sun
💧 Water
moderate; American persimmon drought-tolerant once established
🗺️ Zones
4–9 (American), 7–10 (Asian)
🪴 Soil Type
well-drained loam; tolerates clay
🧪 Soil pH
6.0–7.5
📏 Spacing
15-25 ft apart (tree; dwarf 10-12 ft)
📅 Days to Maturity
3-5 years (from planting grafted tree); 5-7 years from seed
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ ["Fruit"]
🤝 Companions (7)
Nutrient accumulator; pollinator support
🤝 Clover
Nitrogen fixer; groundcover
🤝 Garlic / Chives
Aphid and scale repellent
Groundcover; pest trap
🤝 Marigold
Nematode suppression
Beneficial insect attractor
Pollinator magnet for persimmon flowers
⚠️ Keep Apart (2)
⚠️ Walnut trees
Juglone — persimmons moderately tolerant but stunted within root zone
⚠️ Cedar / Juniper
Some rust diseases may cross-infect
💊 Medicinal Uses
Contains proanthocyanidins, carotenoids (beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene), and tannins with potent antioxidant properties. Rich in vitamin A and fiber. Traditional East Asian remedy for hypertension, hangovers, and digestive health. Unripe fruit (astringent) used for diarrhea and hemorrhoids. Calyx (leaf-like top) used as tea for hiccups, cough, and allergies.