American Persimmon
Scientific name: Diospyros virginiana
Overview
American Persimmon is a dense North American hardwood belonging to the ebony family. It is known for its hardness, strength, and fine texture, and was historically used for golf club heads, textile shuttles, and other high-wear applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: American Persimmon
- Scientific Name: Diospyros virginiana
- Region: North American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 35–60 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 50 lbs/ft³ (800 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,300 lbf
- Color: Pale tan to light brown with darker heartwood streaks
- Grain: Straight to slightly irregular
- Texture: Fine
Identification Characteristics
American Persimmon has a fine, smooth texture and can display a sharp contrast between pale sapwood and darker heartwood. The wood is dense and heavy for a North American species.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale tan to light brown coloration
- Fine texture
- Dense and heavy structure
- Straight to slightly irregular grain
Working Properties
American Persimmon can be somewhat difficult to machine due to its density, but it produces a smooth and durable finish.
- Moderate to difficult machining
- High wear resistance
- Turns and finishes well
- Strong and dense structure
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection.
Common Uses
American Persimmon has traditionally been used in demanding applications requiring strength and durability.
- Golf club heads
- Turned objects
- Specialty tool components
Sustainability & Notes
This species is native to the eastern United States and is less commonly harvested commercially today compared to historical use.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
American Holly – A fine-textured pale wood valued for decorative applications and contrast work.
Gabon Ebony – A true ebony species within the same family known for its dark coloration and extreme density.
Black Locust – A dense North American hardwood valued for durability and wear resistance.
Related Guides
Understanding Wood Strength: What Makes Wood Strong? – Explains why dense woods like persimmon perform well in high-wear applications.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods – Covers machining challenges associated with dense hardwood species.
Wood Movement and Seasonal Expansion Explained – Explains how dense woods respond to humidity and environmental changes.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
American Persimmon is a highly interesting collector wood because it belongs to the ebony family while remaining native to North America, making it an unusual and historically important hardwood species.
Video Overview
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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