Diospyros virginiana American Persimmon

A small to medium-sized deciduous tree native throughout the eastern and southeastern United States. Plants develop an oval canopy of irregular branching and cloak themselves with glossy, rich green, oblong leaves. The charcoal-gray bark is quite distinctive and ornamental, breaking up into tight rectangular blocks that resembles alligator hide. In autumn, female plants produce unique, 1-2", orange, edible fruits that become sweet and flavorful after several hard frosts.