Persimmon Research

Persimmons (Diospyros virginiana), is a wild fruit tree native to the Eastern forests of the United States. The sweet fleshy fruit has been used for centuries by Native Americans and settlers to create delicious cakes, desserts, and jams.

My research on persimmons focuses on sustainable harvest and population ecology of this tree species in the Ozarks.

The distinctive bark of persimmon, which forms a square-like pattern in older trees.

Photo by Kelly Kindscher

Persimmon fruits ripen in the fall. Ripe fruits have slightly wrinkled skin. Unripe fruits have an unpleasant astringent taste.