Diospyros virginiana Prairie Star® CLAYPOOL

Prairie Star Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana Prairie Star® CLAYPOOL) is a superior, seedless, early-ripening American persimmon plant developed by the late James Claypool of Illinois. Claypool was involved in what is widely regarded as the largest American persimmon breeding program in the world and produced several outstanding cultivars in this Prairie Series. Also known as Prairie Star Claypool Persimmon, this variety produces abundant crops of large (approximately 5 cm), orange-yellow fruit.

Persimmons are highly astringent until ripe due to naturally occurring tannins. As the fruit softens, Prairie Star Persimmon becomes exceptionally sweet. Persimmons are often described as candy-like, with a rich, complex, date-like flavour. Fully ripe fruit is highly nutritious, providing abundant antioxidants, dietary fibre, and vitamin A. Excellent for fresh eating, Prairie Star Persimmon is also well suited for drying, syrups, puddings, baking, preserves, and traditional persimmon pie. Birds, squirrels, and other wildlife are attracted to the fruit, so timely harvesting is recommended.

American persimmon plant (Diospyros virginiana) is native from Connecticut to Kansas, and south to Florida and Texas. Although its fruit is smaller than that of Asian persimmons, American persimmons are significantly more cold hardy. Prairie Star Persimmon plant is a reliable producer in cooler regions and is hardy to zone 5 (-29 °C), with harvest typically beginning in October.

Beyond its fruit, persimmon plants are valued for their exceptional ornamental appeal. Diospyros virginiana is a deciduous tree with an upright habit and a rounded to oval crown, capable of reaching up to 18 m (60 ft) in height. Diospyros virginiana Prairie Star® CLAYPOOL is more compact, typically growing just over 6 m, and can be maintained at 3–4 m with regular pruning. The bark is especially distinctive - dark gray to nearly black, deeply furrowed, and broken into blocky plates resembling alligator skin - making the tree easily recognizable in winter.

Leaves are ovate to elliptical, measuring 5–15 cm, and are glossy, dark green through summer, turning attractive shades of yellow and red in autumn before dropping. Small (approximately 1 cm), fragrant, pale yellow flowers bloom in June and attract pollinators. Prairie Star American Persimmon is considered self-fertile; however, planting another Prairie Series persimmon nearby may increase yields.

This self-fertile persimmon prefers full sun and grows best in moist, well-drained soil, though it tolerates drier conditions once established. No serious insect or disease issues are known. Trees typically begin fruiting within 2–3 years. If fruit does not fully ripen on the tree before frost, it can be matured further in cold storage; temperatures should remain above 4 °C to prevent deterioration of fruit texture.

Be patient - persimmons are among the last plants to break dormancy in spring. Watering while dormant will not accelerate growth and may even be detrimental. In cool springs, persimmon plants may take longer than expected to leaf out; they simply require more heat to awaken.