Yates American Persimmon Tree

About the Yates American Persimmon Tree

A delicious cold-hardy native with deep roots in the Midwest. The Yates American Persimmon Tree (Diospyros virginiana ‘Yates’) is a fast-growing, self-pollinating variety prized for its sweet, smooth-textured fruit and impressive adaptability. Originally discovered in Indiana, it remains a favorite for both home gardeners and orchard growers across the U.S.

New to persimmons? Learn everything you need to know in our How to Grow Persimmon Trees guide.

Yates produces small to medium-sized fruit that ripens in early September, earlier than many other American persimmon varieties. When fully soft and ripe, the fruit offers a rich, sweet flavor with apricot-like notes—perfect for fresh eating, drying, or baking into fall desserts.

This variety thrives in a wide range of conditions, showing excellent cold hardiness (to Zone 4) as well as tolerance for heat and humidity. It’s also pest- and disease-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for organic and sustainable gardens.

Why You’ll Love It

• Self-pollinating — no second tree required, but planting another American persimmon can increase yield
• Cold-hardy to USDA Zone 4; also heat-tolerant for southern growers
• Fast-growing tree reaches 35–50' at maturity
• Sweet, astringency-free fruit when fully ripe
• Excellent for fresh eating, preserves, drying, or baking

This tree’s upright form and glossy green foliage also add seasonal beauty to landscapes, especially when the bright orange fruit contrasts against autumn leaves.

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.