Persimmons (Diospyros spp.) produce nutritious, healthy fruit and have a distinctive appearance. The trees often grow in an unusual shape and have bright-orange fruit that remains on the tree well after the leaves fall. Common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is native to the United States. It is a smaller tree and is a good choice for a yard. Japanese persimmon (Diosypros kaki) is usually only grown commercially.
The roots of the common persimmon are not a problem, notes University of Florida IFAS Extension, but the tap roots of the Japanese persimmon do pose a problem. They are deep and invasive, which makes them difficult to transplant. To solve this issue, Japanese persimmons are grafted onto the rootstock of common persimmons. This means that whether you purchase a Japanese or common persimmon, the sapling will have most likely have common persimmon rootstock.
Although the roots are not a problem, the trees will not grow well if they are not grown in the proper climate. Common persimmons grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4b through 9b. The trees are native from Texas to Florida and north to southern Connecticut. Japanese persimmons are not native to the United States and are primarily cultivated in California. They prefer warmer temperatures and grow best in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Both the common and Japanese persimmon can reach 60 feet tall, with a spread of up to 35 feet, but the common persimmon usually stays smaller and is classified a small- to medium-sized tree. Common persimmon can be trained as a bonsai. The tree is quite hardy and can withstand urban conditions, including poor soil and pollution.
Although the common persimmon and grafted Japanese persimmon trees do not have invasive roots, the fruits are sometimes a problem. Persimmons ripen after the first frost and often cling to the tree well into fall. If they are not immediately harvested after they ripen, the persimmons drop from the tree, creating a sweet, slimy mess that attracts insects. Because of this, avoid planting persimmons by sidewalks or other places where people walk or gather.
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