Description
Prairie Star is an American persimmon selected for its resilience and dependable performance in regions where consistency matters. It is especially valued by growers who want a tree that fruits reliably year after year without requiring ideal conditions.
Like all American persimmons, Prairie Star fruit is astringent until fully ripe. Once softened, the fruit develops a deep sweetness and smooth, custard-like texture. Prairie Star ripens dependably and is well suited to growers who want traditional American persimmon flavor without unnecessary complexity.
Overview
- Cold-hardy American persimmon with reliable production.
- Sweet, richly flavored fruit when fully ripe.
- Well adapted to prairie, Midwest, and variable climates.
- Excellent for fresh eating (fully ripe), baking, and pulp use.
- Self-fertile; yields improve with a pollination partner.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Diospyros virginiana ‘Prairie Star’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: Grafted onto American persimmon rootstock
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: Typically 20 ft tall and wide (maintained smaller with pruning)
Bloom Time: Late spring
Ripening Time: Mid-fall (typically October)
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile; best yields with another American persimmon planted within 20–30 ft
Pests & Diseases: Generally low-pressure; very resilient once established
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Prairie Star was selected for growers who need consistency and resilience rather than maximum size or novelty.
- Regional Insight: Prairie Star performs especially well across the Midwest, Plains, and other regions with cold winters and variable seasons.
- Allow fruit to become fully soft before eating to eliminate astringency.
- Excellent for persimmon pulp, baking, freezing, and traditional recipes.
- Explore more American persimmons in our collection: American Persimmons
