TreeFest is proud to celebrate its 27th year of giving away bare-root seedlings to Wilmington residents as part of an ongoing effort to replenish our tree canopy.
This year, I was delighted to see the return of American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) to the tree list. Several years ago, I took home a tiny, 3-foot-tall seedling and it has since grown into a beautiful shade tree in my backyard.
Native to the Central and Eastern United States, the American Persimmon produces fruit much smaller than the Asian ‘Fuyu’ persimmons commonly found in supermarkets. Its sweet, thumb-sized fruits are a favorite of local wildlife, though they can be surprisingly astringent if eaten before fully ripe (as I have been unfortunate to discover). It’s important to note that Persimmons are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees, and both are needed to produce fruit.
The American Persimmon is a wonderful addition to any landscape and is quite tolerant of sandy soil, heat, and urban conditions. This medium-sized tree can reach 20 feet in just five to six years and will eventually mature to a height of 30 to 50 feet, making it an excellent option for shade in a relatively short time.
In addition to its practical and aesthetic benefits, the American Persimmon plays an important role in supporting the local ecosystem. It serves as a host plant for several native moth species, including the striking Luna Moth and the impressive Imperial Moth, one of the largest moth species in the region.
The form of an American Persimmon tree.
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If you are interested in adding some new trees to your landscape, join us at TreeFest in the JCPenney wing of Independence Mall on Jan. 17-18 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. or until supplies last. Households may choose up to five free trees or grasses from the available selection (a $5 donation per household is suggested). All species are native to and grown in North Carolina, and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tree species include Longleaf Pine, Atlantic White Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, Red Maple, River Birch, American Persimmon, Flowering Dogwood, Eastern Redbud, Live Oak, and White Oak. Silky Dogwood (shrub) and Indian grass will also be available. Please note that all species are subject to availability, and some may not be available at the giveaway. Trees are bare roots and should be planted as soon as possible.
Experts will be available at TreeFest to help with plant selection and provide information about their care. Before selecting trees, residents are encouraged to consider the size of the site, whether utility lines exist above and below ground, proximity to buildings, and site conditions like soil type, drainage and sun exposure.
More than 5,000 individual plants will be available during the give-away, with an equal amount distributed each day. For more information, visit TreeFest 2025 – Annual Tree Giveaway Event.
Amy Mead is the County Extension Director in Brunswick County. She can be reached at afmead@ncsu.edu. The New Hanover County Arboretum grounds, located at 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, are free and open daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: TreeFest 2025 in Wilmington, NC: Here’s what to know