The Native Persimmon
(ePub, Mobi, and PDF formats, DRM-free)
- 1915 USDA Farmers’ Bulletin
- grafting and cultivation
- uses and recipes
The Native Persimmon by W. F. Fletcher was first published in 1915 by the United States Department of Agriculture as USDA Farmers’ Bulletin #685. One hundred years later it remains the definitive guide on the propagation, cultivation, and uses of the wild/native American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana).
America’s native persimmon is a member of the ebony family. Its timber is hard and dark, while its fruits are sweet and orange and pulpy with a flavor somewhat reminiscent of dates, leading to its early nickname of “date plum”. The Native Persimmon contains detailed information about this valuable tree, including much that’s not to be found in more modern publication. Sections include:
- How to propagate persimmons by seed, root, and branch cuttings;
- How to propagate persimmons by several different grafting methods;
- How to cultivate, prune, maintain, and care for persimmon trees;
- How to harvest and pack persimmons for market;
- Fifteen recipes for preserving and preparing persimmon fruit;
- A list describing thirteen specific persimmon cultivars in use in 1915.
We hope you enjoy this modern edition of The Native Persimmon. Thank you!
I’m trying to grow the Japanese Fuyu as I bought one about 6 years ago and promptly forgot it after I noticed it was flureshing, this year I discovered 39 persimmons growing on it. My dog was fussing in the front yard so I looked up toward the road and saw a large buck banging on something about 40 yards away. I walked outside the house and headed up the driveway to see what was going on. Then I noticed a bunch of orange balls on my tree up there by the chicken coop. Wow the Persimmon tree was loaded, I gathered a basket full ( of what was left) about 6 feet off the higher part of my tree. Deer and coyote tracks everywhere. harvested almost 7 pounds out of those 39 persimmons. Never eaten one up untill then.
Now I’m trying to grow several more closer to the house via “air-layering”, looking good now.