Common Persimmon - Diospyros virginiana

Ponder This:

Despite its gangly appearance the Persimmon is a tree with a long and stately tradition. Like all of us, the persimmon has its flaws – it certainly would never be mistaken for a grand majestic oak or walnut – but it has been endowed by our Creator with many uses that are not readily seen.

Some Jewish scholars believe the oil from the persimmon tree was referred to in Psalms 133 as the “precious oil poured on the head” and it was commonly used as a perfume in the time of the Old Testament. In modern times, the wood has been used for everything from golf clubs to guitars and its fruit has been enjoyed for generations in puddings and pies. In fact, a persimmon festival is held every year two hours south of where you stand in Mitchell, Indiana. The fruit of this particular tree has been used to make baked goods and jellies for needy families in Central Indiana.

Our God certainly is the Creator of remarkable beauty and wonder, but it is also good to be thankful and remember the trees and plants and people that may look a bit odd or stand a bit crooked. They are far too easy to dismiss and ignore. But if we take a closer look, an examination of the “persimmon trees” in our life, we can only be amazed at the treasures and gifts we will find.

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Common Persimmon-Diospyros virginiana, also known as the American Persimmon, Possumwood, Possum Apples, or Sugar Plum, the Common Persimmon grows in moist bottomlands from Connecticut to Texas. It grows to 30 to 80 feet tall. The chunky bark on most Persimmon trees resembles alligator skin. Persimmon has little commercial value with one unique exception: its hard, dense wood is highly favored for golf club heads. Persimmon fruit can be picked once the fruit falls to the ground. Once pulped, it is used to make pudding, sweet muffins, or breads. The fruit is high in Vitamin C, and is extremely astringent when unripe. It is eaten by birds, raccoons, skunks, deer and opossums.