American Persimmon Tree Prairie Gem (Diospyros virginiana)

Prairie Gem is an American persimmon developed by renowned persimmon hybridizer, Jim Claypool. It is self-fertile and grows well in zones 5-9. The fruit has excellent flavor and is larger than other American persimmon varieties. It ripens in October with harvest going on for a month or more. The fruit is astringent and needs to soften before eating. Fruit can be harvested once it turns light orange and then ripened indoors. It takes 3 to 4 years for a young tree to produce fruit.