How to Identify male and female American persimmon trees (Diospyros virginiana)
Identifying male and female American persimmon trees (Diospyros virginiana) can be a bit tricky since they look very similar until they begin flowering. Persimmons are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees, so recognizing the differences in their flowers is key. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Male Persimmon Tree
Flower Characteristics: Male trees produce smaller, tubular flowers that grow in clusters of 2-3. These flowers are typically pale yellow or cream in color.
Flower Size: The flowers on male trees are smaller compared to female flowers.
Flower Structure: Male flowers have prominent stamens (the pollen-producing part of the flower), with no pistil (the female reproductive structure).
No Fruit: Male trees will not produce fruit, as their role is to provide pollen for the female trees.
Female Persimmon Tree
Flower Characteristics: Female trees produce larger, single flowers. These flowers are also yellow or cream-colored but are typically solitary, meaning only one flower per stem.
Flower Size: Female flowers are bigger and more bell-shaped than male flowers.
Flower Structure: Female flowers have a well-developed pistil, which is necessary for fruit production. They may have rudimentary stamens, but these are not functional.
Fruit Production: Only female trees produce fruit. If pollinated by a male tree, the flowers will develop into the persimmons you can harvest in the fall.
Timing of Flowering
Persimmon trees typically begin to flower after 3-6 years, depending on growing conditions. Once they flower, you’ll be able to distinguish male and female trees based on the flowers.
Summary
Male trees: Clusters of small flowers, no fruit.
Female trees: Larger, single flowers, produce fruit if pollinated.
If you’re planting for fruit production, you’ll need both a male and female tree (unless you have a self-fertile variety).
