Prok American Persimmon Tree

Prok American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana ‘Prok’) is the finest named selection of the native American persimmon — a species that grows wild from Connecticut to Florida and west to Kansas, producing small, intensely sweet fruit that has fed wildlife and humans alike for centuries. Prok takes everything the wild American persimmon offers and scales it up: extra-large 2.5–3 inch fruit, nearly seedless, with a honeyed sweetness and smooth custard texture at full ripeness that the wild species delivers only in miniature. Selected by renowned fruit grower John Gordon of New York, it ripens mid-September to late fall, self-pollinating, drought-tolerant, and growing into a beautiful 35–50 foot native shade tree. Grown in EZ Start® pots, bears in 3–4 years.

Note: Our persimmon trees are grown in EZ Start® pots, which allow the roots to self-air prune and redirect energy to producing a dense mass of feeder roots. The main tap root will begin forming once planted in its permanent location, and will fully develop over the next 2–3 years.

Extra-Large and Nearly Seedless — The Best Named American Persimmon

The size and seedlessness distinguish Prok from both the wild American persimmon and most other named selections. At 2.5–3 inches in diameter, the deep orange fruit is substantially larger than wild American persimmons, and the nearly seedless interior makes every bite fully usable — no navigating around seeds to reach the honey-sweet, smooth, custard-textured flesh at full October ripeness. Outstanding for fresh eating at peak softness, baking in persimmon pudding and cookies, preserves, and drying.

Selected by John Gordon of New York — A Pedigree Selection From a Native Species

The American persimmon’s value as a fruit tree has been recognized by serious fruit growers for generations, and John Gordon’s selection of Prok from the wild population reflects the careful observation and evaluation that separates an exceptional named selection from the variable seedling trees. Prok’s consistent extra-large fruit, superior flavor, and reliable annual production represent the best the native species has to offer in cultivated form.

A 35–50 Foot Native Shade Tree — Wildlife Value and Beauty

Beyond the fruit, Prok earns its landscape position as a genuinely beautiful native tree. White spring blooms attract pollinators. The foliage turns golden-orange in fall around the same time the deep orange fruit ripens — creating an autumn display that’s both ornamental and productive. Wildlife including deer, foxes, and songbirds depend on persimmon fruit through the fall season, making Prok a meaningful contribution to the local food web.

Why Growers Choose Prok American Persimmon

• Extra-large 2.5–3 inch fruit — substantially larger than wild American persimmon
• Nearly seedless — fully usable honey-sweet custard flesh at full October ripeness
• Selected by John Gordon of New York — a pedigree named selection from the native species
• Astringent — must be fully soft before eating — harvest after frost or allow to fully soften
• 35–50 foot native shade tree — wildlife value, white spring blooms, fall color
• EZ Start® pots, self-pollinating, bears in 3–4 years — strong establishment, no companion needed