The American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), also known as common persimmon, eastern persimmon, simmon, possumwood, possum apples, or sugar plum, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States, ranging from southern Connecticut to Florida, and west to Texas, Oklahoma, and Iowa. It has been cultivated for its fruit and wood since prehistoric times by Native Americans. Identification Features: The American Persimmon is generally a small to medium-sized tree, typically growing 30 to 80 feet tall, though it can reach up to 115 feet in ideal conditions. It has a short, slender trunk and spreading branches that form a round-topped canopy. The bark is dark brown or gray, deeply divided into scaly plates. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oval, 4 to 6 inches long, turning orange or scarlet in autumn. The tree is dioecious, with separate male and female plants required for fruit production, although some cultivars can produce seedless fruit without pollination. Flowers and Fruit: The American Persimmon produces fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers in May and June, which are pollinated by insects and wind. The fruit is round or oval, usually orange-yellow, sometimes bluish, and 3/4 to 2 1/4 inches in diameter. It is astringent when unripe but becomes sweet and edible after frost or when bletted. The fruit is high in vitamin C and can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried, and is often used in desserts, jams, molasses, and even fermented into beer or brandy. Wood and Uses: The wood of the American Persimmon is dark, heavy, and very close-grained, with the heartwood being a true ebony, highly valued but not commercially harvested due to the long time required to produce it. The wood is used in woodturning and historically served other purposes, such as making buttons during the American Civil War. The tree is also grown on small farms as a heritage crop and is appreciated for its ornamental value and wildlife benefits. Ecological and Historical Significance: This species is considered an evolutionary anachronism, likely dispersed by Pleistocene megafauna such as ancient elephants. Its seeds are known to germinate more effectively after passing through the digestive tract of large animals. The American Persimmon remains common in the South Atlantic and Gulf states and reaches its largest size in the Mississippi River basin. It grows best in well-drained, sandy soil but is adaptable to various soil types. Cultivation: While the American Persimmon mostly grows wild, some varieties have been cultivated to reduce astringency and improve flavor. It was introduced to England before 1629, where it is occasionally grown but rarely ripens its fruit. The tree can be propagated from seed or stolons and is hardy in the southern parts of England.