Diospyros kaki

Japanese Persimmon
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Commonly grows15-25' tall & wide; can grow to 30'. Forms an upright to mop-headed, small tree, low-branched and wide-spreading, and the outer branches are somewhat pendulous. Moderate growth rate. Long-lived, if adequate winter protection from cold is provided.

Native Range

Native to China, but long-cultivated in both China and Japan for its edible fruits. Introduced into cultivation in Europe in 1796, but not grown much until 1870.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are dioecious. Male flowers are in 3's, pinkish to whitish in color, each about 2/5" long, with 16-24 stamens. Female flowers are 1/2-3/4" and whitish to creamy-yellow. Flowers are on current season's growth, in May-June. Fruits, after tree age 3-6, are sweet, slightly tangy, somewhat fibrous, edible berries, larger than the Common Persimmon, about 2-4" in diameter, orange in color, oval to rounded in shape. Fruits usually ripen in October/November, after the leaves fall.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Alternate, simple leaves, oval shaped to elliptic-ovate, 2.5-7" long and 1.5-3.5" wide, acuminate at tip, glabrous, with an entire margin, shiny dark green on top, lighter green underneath, with hairy veins, and somewhat leathery. Petiole is 1/2-1" long and pubescent. Leaves are larger than the Common Persimmon. Fall foliage color is yellow/orange/red. Leaves are very attractive in both summer and fall. Bark is gray-brown. Young bark is smooth, turning chunky and blocky on older trees.

Culture and Care

Grows best in deep, moist, slightly acid, well-drained soil in full sun. Good heat and drought tolerance. Zone 7-9, so extreme protection and sheltering is required for the species to survive harsh winters in Zone 6. Has survived & yielded fruit after a winter down to 4 degrees F. Root suckers should be removed, unless a naturalizing effect is desired. Resistant to fungal leaf spot and insect attack.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Attracts songbirds and butterflies. 3-season interest: Spring, summer and fall. This tree is among the oldest plants in cultivation. It has been raised in China for its fruits for over 2,000 years.

Suggested Uses

Could be used in a large container or tub, or incorporated into the landscape bed in a protected site. Male trees should be considered for use on tough city sites, since they are fruitless, but are adaptable, and still have showy summer and fall foliage.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA

The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.

  • Diospyros kaki 'Jiro' // Jiro Japanese Persimmon
    Tree. 12-28' tall, and 12-22' wide. Platy, gray bark. Self-pollinating/self-fertile. Large flattened-round, tomato-shaped, deep orange fruit, seedless and sweet, ripening in October. Non-astringent. Zone 6. One of the most popular persimmon varieties in Japan. Produced by Hollybrook Orchards. Likes acid to neutral, well-drained soil. Tolerates clay or loam. Moderate growth rate. Attracts songbirds. Very good pest resistance, heat tolerance, sun tolerance, and humidity tolerance, adaptable to various soil types. Good drought tolerance. Avoid wet soils and shade.
    BT001125

  • Diospyros kaki 'Saijo' // Saijo Japanese Persimmon
    Tree. A vigorous, upright grower that can spread. Grows to 10-20' tall and wide. Self-pollinating. Medium-sized, elongated to conical, orange fruit. The skin of the fruit is crack-resistant. Astringent fruit, but sweet, and usually seedless. Zone 6-9. Perhaps the tastiest of all kaki persimmons. Produced by Hollybrook Orchards. Bears fruit annually. Fruit is ripe when soft, usually in late October or November. In Japanese, "Saijo" means, "Mr. Elegant", or "the very best one". Excellent pest resistance. Likes acid to neutral, well-drained soil. Tolerates clay. Moderate growth rate. Attracts songbirds. Very good pest resistance, heat/drought tolerance, sun tolerance, and humidity tolerance, adaptable to various soil types.
    BT001124