Scientific Name: Diospyros virginiana L.
Family: Ebenaceae (Ebony Family)
Common name: Persimmon
Description: Large shrub, or small-to-medium size tree reaching 70-80 feet tall; flowers May-June; fruits orange-yellow when mature in September-October
Range and Habitat: Widespread in eastern North America, but primarily a southern species; common throughout the south.
In Porcher’s time… Persimmon bark was used in the treatment of intermittent fever, for diarrhea, and for sore throat. The persimmon fruit is used in cooking and fermenting into alcohol.
See the historical entry on this plant as it appears in Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests