# Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana)

> A slow-growing, usually multi-trunked small tree (12-20 feet) prized for its smooth, peeling silver-gray bark that looks like a crape myrtle's. Female trees bear small black persimmons in late summer that are sweet when fully soft and much loved by birds and mammals. Deciduous in Austin, nearly evergreen farther south. Perfect for tight, dry, sunny spaces.

Source: https://treerm.org/trees/diospyros-texana · Updated 2026-11-08 · License CC BY 4.0

## Facts

- Also called: Mexican persimmon, Black persimmon, Chapote
- Family: Ebenaceae
- Type: Broadleaf, loses its leaves in winter
- Mature height: 5 m; spread 3 m
- Growth: Slow growing
- USDA hardiness zones: 7 to 10
- Light: Sun or part shade
- Water: Low water
- Soil: Shallow, rocky, well-drained limestone, caliche or clay; alkaline soils are ideal
- Native range: Central, south and west Texas into northeastern Mexico

**Benefits:** Drought tolerant, Wildlife, Birds, Edible, Fits small spaces

**Good for:** Small yard, Screening

**Watch out for:** Messy fruit

## Care

Plant in full sun on well-drained ground; water the first two summers, then almost never. It is usually pruned up to show off the trunks. Fruit from female trees stains pavement, so site accordingly or choose a male. No significant pests.

## Where it stands

- **Native:** TX, United States
- **Recommended:** Austin, TX, United States (On the City of Austin Grow Green native and adapted plant list (Watershed Protection). Listed as 'Persimmon, Texas'; very low water needs, fruit can be messy.); Dallas, TX, United States (On the City of Dallas Article X Approved Tree List)

## Sources

- https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/DITE3
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DITE3
- https://www.austintexas.gov/watershed-protection/plant-guide/persimmon-texas
- https://www.treefolks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NeighborWoodsTreeMenu-2026.pdf