Wild Persimmon Fruitlessness: Dioecious Nature and Late Frost

Diospyros virginiana: Male/Female Trees and Frost Damage

American persimmons are dioecious—separate male and female trees. No fruit = possibly all one sex, or late frost killed flowers.

Diagnosis

• Check for male (staminate) vs female (pistillate) flowers in spring
• Need both within pollination distance
• Late cold spells (widespread in US) cause major fruit loss

Expert Referral

Jim Hyland (Trees forum, former Forestry Service) for definitive assessment of your persimmon stand.