persimmon

Persimmon Diospyros virginiana
Family: Ebenaceae (Ebony)
Branching: Alternate

This is a southern tree that very rarely grows in Ontario (it is not native to Ontario). It has very dark buds with only 2 or 3 exposed scales. Inside the leaf scar is a single elongated vein scar, which helps distinguish this tree. When the bark matures, it starts to acquire squarish plates, and its unique fruit, when found, is edible.

Winter twig of Persimmon

Lateral bud and leaf scar. Notice the distinctive vein scar

Another view of the lateral bud and leaf scar, showing the one elongated vein scar

The edible fruit of Persimmon

A young tree starting to acquire the distinctive squarish appearance of the bark