Texas Persimmon

Smooth Bark Beauty with Edible Fruit

The Texas Persimmon (Diospyros texana) is a striking native tree known for its smooth, peeling gray bark, dark green foliage, and small edible black fruits. Extremely drought-tolerant and compact, it’s a stunning specimen or accent tree. Alfaro Tree Sales grows Texas Persimmons at our 40-acre Atascosa nursery.

½–1 ft/yr
Growth Rate
15–20 ft
Mature Height
Excellent
Drought Tolerance
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Water
Very Low
Growth
½–1 ft/yr
Mature Height
15–20 ft
Foliage
Semi-Deciduous
Ornamental Bark
Ornamental Bark

Ornamental Bark

The Texas Persimmon’s most striking feature is its smooth, multi-toned bark that peels in patches to reveal creamy white, gray, and pink underneath. It creates year-round visual interest — especially beautiful when lit by low sun.

Stunning smooth peeling bark Extremely drought-tolerant Edible black fruits (female trees) Field-grown at our 40-acre nursery

Texas Persimmon vs. Texas Ebony

Two small, drought-tough native specimen trees.

Recommended

Texas Persimmon

Growth Rate½–1 ft/yr
BarkSmooth, peeling
DroughtExcellent
Mature Height15–20 ft
FruitEdible (female)
ThornsNone

Texas Ebony

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
BarkDark, rough
DroughtExcellent
Mature Height20–30 ft
FruitNon-edible pods
ThornsYes (young)

Growth Timeline

Expected height after planting a multi-trunk specimen (5–8 ft at install).

6 ft
Planting
9 ft
Year 5
13 ft
Year 10
Full form
18 ft
Year 20+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Minimal once established. Deep soak every 2–3 weeks during the first season. Avoid overwatering.

Soil & Fertilizer

Thrives in SA’s rocky limestone soils. Requires good drainage. No fertilizer needed.

Pruning

Minimal pruning. Remove lower branches to showcase the bark. Can be single-trunk or multi-stem.

Best Planting Time

October through March. Position where the bark can be appreciated up close.

Our Planting Process

1

Select & Deliver

Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.

2

Plant & Mulch

Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.

3

Follow-Up

Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.

Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
½–1 ft/yr
Mature Height
15–20 ft
Canopy Spread
10–15 ft
Foliage
Semi-Deciduous
Foliage
Semi-Deciduous
Native Range
Central & S. Texas
Soil
Limestone / Rocky
Best For
Specimen, Xeriscape
Category
Native
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Slowly — about ½ to 1 foot per year. They’re valued for their ornamental beauty rather than fast growth.

Yes — female trees produce small black persimmons in late summer that are sweet and edible. They’re also loved by birds and wildlife.

Outstanding. The smooth, peeling bark in shades of gray, cream, and pink is one of the most beautiful of any Texas tree.

Extremely. They’re native to the dry hills of Central and South Texas and need almost no supplemental water once established.

October through March is ideal.

We offer Texas Persimmons in various sizes. Field-grown at our nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284.

Yes. Professional delivery and planting across the SA metro. Request a free quote.

Only female trees produce fruit. If fruit production is important, specify a female tree. Male trees are also beautiful for the bark alone.