FRUIT TREES PERSIMMON ASTRINGENT VARIETIES

Non-Astringent vs. Astringent Persimmons

Astringent Persimmons

• Taste/Texture when unripe: Extremely astringent (mouth-puckering), owing to high soluble tannins.

• When edible: Must be fully soft and jelly-like ripe before they taste sweet.

• Examples: American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), Asian ‘Hachiya’.

• Fruit drop timing: Often later in the fall, sometimes into winter, depending on variety or wild genetics.

Non-Astringent Persimmons

• Taste/Texture when unripe: Can be eaten firm, even when still crisp—low tannins.

• When edible: Sweet while still firm.

• Examples: Asian types like Fuyu, Jiro, Izu.

• Fruit drop timing: Typically early to mid-fall.

Which Is Best for a Wildlife Food Plot?

Best Choice: Astringent Persimmons (especially American persimmon)

Why:

• Wildlife preference: Deer, raccoons, foxes, and many other species love the fruit once it softens and drops.

• Late-season nutrition: Many astringent varieties hold fruit later into fall or early winter, creating a natural food source during colder periods.

• Hardiness: American persimmons are far more cold-hardy and adaptable to wild or neglected soils.

• Reliable fruit drop: Astringent trees tend to drop fruit naturally when fully ripe—perfect for deer.

When to consider non-astringent varieties:

• Only if you are in a mild climate (zones 7–9) and want earlier fruit availability.

• But non-astringent types often hold fruit on the tree instead of dropping, making them less ideal for deer unless shaken or allowed to fall from over-ripeness.

Recommendation

For wildlife food plots, especially for deer:

→ Plant American persimmons or astringent Asian hybrids selected for late fruit drop.