Diospyros virginiana Ebenaceae Leaves are simple, alternate, deciduous, oval to elliptical in shape, 2-6 inches long, and without teeth on the leaf margin. Twigs are dark with orange lenticels and black lateral buds with two overlapping scales.
Lateral buds look like snakeheads to some observers.
Old bud scales remain attached at branch junctions. Leaf scars have only one bundle scar. Fruit is a pulpy edible berry. Trees are dioecious so some trees will never bear fruit. Usually tolerant of shade.