Morris Burton Common Persimmon

Diospyros virginiana (dee-oh-SPR-os vir-jin-ee-AY-uh)

Family: Ebenaceae Unknown Canopy (>40 ft)

'Morris Burton' is a small to medium-sized cultivar in the Ebenaceae family whose parent plant is native to central and eastern United States. It is beautiful, delicious and easy to grow, and offers year-round interest in the landscape. It is partially self-fertile as it produces some male flowers. However, best fruiting occurs with a male and female tree being planted together. The orange-red fruits are considered one of the best native persimmons with a honey-like flavor and few seeds. It is one of the earliest producing cultivars typically producing in the third year. 'Morris Burton' is a cold-hardy tree easily grown in full sun with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. 'Morris Burton' typically grows to 60’ tall. The Common persimmon prefers moist, sandy soils but is tolerant of a variety of soils including poor, dry ones. It is drought tolerant once established. It has superior ornamental qualities. Dark green foliage is attractive throughout the growing season before turning excellent shades of red and yellow in fall. The orange-red fruits, which begin to ripen in the fall, are smaller (1 - 1 1/2 ") and not as firm as other cultivars but have excellent flavor. Fruits are commonly used in syrups, jellies, ice creams or pies. Persimmon leaves can be used to make teas. The wood is extremely hard and has been used to make golf club heads, billiard cues and shoe lasts. It can be grown as an ornamental or fruit tree in the home landscape, or in naturalized areas for wildlife. Thus, it can be placed in many types of gardens: a butterfly, children's, native, nighttime, pollinator, or rain garden. With spectacular autumn foliage and fruit that extends the harvest late into the fall, they are an excellent addition to an edible landscape. They do produce root suckers. Remove promptly unless a naturalized effect is wanted. Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: Leaf spot may occur. Fruit drop can be messy. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for " Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants " a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Diospyros virginiana .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 72 attributes.