Persimmon

Common Names

Common Persimmon American Persimmon Eastern Persimmon Simmon Possumwood

Scientific Names

Diospyros virginiana Ebenaceae family

History of
the Tree Species

Native to the southeastern U.S. -- other persimmons native to Asia Sometimes cultivated for its fruit, but the most popular persimmons are the Asian varieties Considered to be an evolutionary anachronism consumed by Pleistocene megafauna in North America until 10,000 years ago, based on fossil records

Scientific Facts

Fruit, leaves, and seed oil are edible -- also used for coffee, tea, sweetener, and more Decoction of boiled fruit have been used to treat blood stools Leaves astringent and rich in vitamin C Decoction of inner bark highly astringent Used as a mouth rinse in treatment of thrush and sore throats Used externally to wash warts and tumors