824 Records

This native tree species is a southeastern U.S. specialty that approaches the northern limit of its range in the Mid-Atlantic. It is the only member of the Ebony Family (Ebenaceae) that reaches this far north, and it has the heavy, hard, dark wood characteristic of that family. Common Persimmon is widespread and common in Maryland, but doesn’t occur in high mountain areas. Fruit is edible and delicious when ripe, but shockingly astringent before ripening. Although some people say frost is required to fully ripen, the easiest test is simply whether the fruit is easily picked or shaken from the tree.

Host plant for various moth species including Sculptured Moth, Tersa Sphinx Moth, Small Necklace Moth, and Large Necklace Moth. Host to the leaf-mining larvae of the shield-bearing moth Coptodisca diospyriella.

An important food source for foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and birds.