The word persimmon usually brings an image of yummy orange fruit to mind. But did you know that not all persimmon trees produce fruit? However, all species of persimmon trees yield beautiful flowers!
Keep reading to learn more about persimmon tree flowers!
Varieties of Persimmon Trees
There are more than 500 varieties of persimmon trees, which are part of the diospyros genus.
Common characteristics of the plant include alternative leaf formation, the absence of terminal buds, and either dioecious or polygamous flowers. The varieties that produce fruit have a leathery texture, with a substantial calyx, and between 5-8 flattened seeds.
The most common varieties of persimmon trees that are grown in the U.S. are the Asian persimmon and the American persimmon. Both of these varieties produce fruit.
Interested in learning how to grow your own persimmon tree? Visit our articles on How to Grow a Persimmon Tree and Persimmon Tree Care.
Seasons of Persimmon Tree Flowers
The flowers of the persimmon tree typically bloom in the late spring and last through early or mid-summer. The exact timeframe of the blooming depends on the variety of persimmon trees and the climate where it’s grown.
Some varieties take as long as five years to yield a bloom. Most persimmon tree flowers will bloom for the first time within two or three years of planting. For all fruit-bearing persimmons, fruit production occurs after the first bloom.
Flowers bloom about two weeks after the leaves first emerge from the buds.
To learn more about the various Persimmon Tree Types, visit our post!
The Appearance of Persimmon Tree Flowers
Persimmon tree flowers are known for their small, bell-shaped structure. The coloring of the flower will depend entirely on the variety of persimmon trees. Colors can range from white, pink, yellow, gray, and green.
Many varieties of the persimmon tree are dioecious, which means they grow either male or female flowers. Typically, the female persimmon flower and calyx will be larger in comparison to the male counterpart.
Male Plant
The male persimmon tree usually produces flowers that grow in clusters of 2 to 4. They are often seen dangling from the branch like a bell.
These persimmon flowers usually measure ⅓ inch. They have a 4-part calyx, corolla, and 24 pollen-producing stamens set into two rows.
On average, the male tree must pollinate the female tree for fruit to grow.
Female Plant
If you’ve ever eaten the fruit of the persimmon, you can thank the female plant! This is because only the female persimmon trees will bear fruit.
These flowers grow in single blooms. They are shaped the same as the male flower, but usually grow larger.
The female flower has a large calyx, a 4-part corolla, eight undeveloped stamens, and a pistil with four styles at its core.
If a female tree is not pollinated, it will usually wither or produce a small fruit that will drop from the tree before it ripens.
Self-Pollinating Plant
Some cultivars are perfect flowers. These have an enlarged ovary at the bottom of the flower and 8 or more stamens in the middle. They are considered bi-sexual, self-pollinate, and yield seedless fruit.
Pollination Process
The main pollinators for persimmon tree flowers are bees! Bees work to collect nectar and pollen, typically beginning two weeks before blooming. These bees carry the pollen from the male plant to the female plant.
They can accomplish this even if the male and female trees are several hundred yards apart. The honeybee has been known to travel 3 miles to pollinate persimmon trees!
The wind is a secondary pollinator for persimmon tree flowers. The spacing of the trees is essential if this is going to be considered a way to pollinate the female trees to produce fruit.
One male tree planted per eight female trees is the recommended guideline for proper pollination.
Persimmon Fruits
Persimmon fruits are typically available in the fall, with a harvest through October or November. If the fruit doesn’t fall, it can remain on the tree well into the wintertime.
Typically, the fruits measure 1-3 inches and are spherical. It is usually yellow, orange, or dark brown.
The fruits are typically astringent, which means they must be ripe before they’re eaten. These fruits are known for their sweetness and are usually soft, sometimes even gelatinous. The non-astringent types can be consumed before ripening when they are still firm, containing the same sweet flavor.
Ways to Enjoy Persimmon Fruits
These fruits can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked. They work well when added to salads or cooked into curries, puddings, cookies, and cakes.
Add a little persimmon flavor to your next meal!
* Try slicing this fruit and adding it to your oatmeal or cereal.
* Add the fruit to your next smoothie blend for an extra sweetener.
* Serve this yummy Persimmon Brown Rice Arugula Salad at your next meal!
Health Benefits of Persimmon Fruits
Nutritionally, persimmons provide high levels of fiber, vitamins A and C, and iron, calcium, and potassium. Consuming persimmons is a great way to include fresh fruits into your diet when it’s past the summer season.
Varieties of Persimmon Fruits
The most common persimmon varieties within the U.S. are the Asian and American fruits. The average grocery store carries the Asian Fuyu persimmon, if they carry them at all.
The main difference between these two species of persimmon is size, flavor, hardiness to cold, and the area to which it’s indigenous. American persimmons are astringent, meaning they must be ripe to be enjoyed. Asian persimmons are often found in both the astringent and non-astringent varieties.
Storing the Fruits
Persimmon fruits are best eaten fresh. They can be stored at room temperature for 3-5 days. The fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Enjoying the Beauty of Persimmon Tree Flowers
Regardless of the variety, persimmon tree flowers are always a sight to behold. Their delicate nature makes driving through an area with persimmon trees a delight throughout the springtime.
To learn more about Persimmon Trees, visit our post!