Identifying Persimmon Types by Seed & Eradicating Crepe Myrtle Resprouts

Two common questions: can you tell a persimmon variety by its seed, and how to kill crepe myrtle that keeps sprouting after stump grinding.

Persimmon Seed Identification

Seed morphology alone isn’t reliable for distinguishing American (Diospyros virginiana) from Oriental (D. kaki) persimmons. Fruit characteristics (size, shape, astringency) and leaf traits are better indicators. If you have fruit, compare to known cultivars.

Killing Crepe Myrtle Resprouts

Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is notoriously resilient. The most effective method:

1. Cut all shoots to ground level.
2. Immediately brush concentrated glyphosate (41% or higher) onto the fresh cuts—use a paint brush for precision.
3. Repeat on any regrowth; multiple applications are usually needed.

Avoid foliar spray on desirable plants nearby. Glyphosate moves systemically to kill roots. Persistence wins—this species stores extensive carbohydrate reserves.