Common Persimmon Terminal buds are absent. The broad, egg-shaped lateral buds are imbricate and have three outer scales. The twigs are reddish-brown with rather large, chambered pith. The mature bark is deeply furrowed and breaks into dark gray to black square blocks separated by furrows that are cinnamon-red along the bottom. Flowers are dioecious, yellow to white, and bloom in May or June.
Male trees have no fruit, if none is desired.
The persimmon is best known by its fruit, which is the largest berry produced by an American forest tree. There is no better way to get acquainted with this tree than to try to eat its fruit before it is ripe. Its harsh taste draws the lips and chokes the throat. The bitterness of the fruit disappears with age and frost action, becoming smooth and sweet as it matures in October or November. It is edible.