Diospyros virginiana L. American Persimmon, Possumwood or Common Persimmon Deciduous tree, native to eastern and central United States. In some parts, particularly the southern States, the astringent fruit is gathered in abundance from wild trees. Height to 12-20m (40-65ft), occasionally much taller. Flowers open in July. Female flowers are solitary, about 2cm (¾in) long; males are clustered and slightly smaller. Fruit is similar to that of Date Plum (D. lotus), about 2.55-5cm (l-2in) across, coloured pale orange and often with a reddish flush on one side. Bark is very dark, thick, and deeply cut into small rectangular blocks. Z4.