Re: [SG] Persimmon Trees
Sheila,
There is an oriental persimmon that has fruit almost the size of a
tennis ball. The oriental persimmon has a more open growth habit and a
wider crown than our native persimmon. I don't know what zone the
oriental persimmons are good for but I know they do grow here in zone 7.
I too love our native persimmon. It also was the favorite tree of the
late Robert Rodale. I am sure you could prune our native persimmon and
keep it short enough to pick with a ladder. I don't think it would look
very good though. It is against the trees natural growth habit. In our
area they get 50 to 60 feet tall! There may be some weeping forms
available but I an not aware of any. If you do find a weeping form let
me know. I want one too.
I think sassafras is a much under used tree in the landscape. Great fall
color and multiple trunks that are beautiful. There is something special
about a grove of sassafras seen from a distance in full fall color!
I use mostly crabapples with pea size fruit to provide shade for my
hosta garden.
Some really exciting fruit trees are the Asian pears. Great tasting and
no insect or disease problems. Check Stark Brothers.
Question: And just where would shade gardeners be without trees?
Answer: Going mad in the hot sun. That's where!
Dan Nelson
Bridgeville DE
zone 7
SussexTreeInc@ce.net
===================================
----- Original Message -----
From: Michael D. Cook <mikecook@PIPELINE.COM>
To: <shadegardens@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU>
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 1999 4:42 AM
Subject: [SG] Persimmon Trees
Hello; thank you, Dan Nelson, for the info on the Chinese beetle.
Here's
another tree question for you (or whomever has the answer!): I am going
to
plant a persimmon tree, because the branch arrangement gives a dappled
shade, perfect for hostas and ferns. And, I like persimmons, so I want
to
keep the tree short enough to pick from with the use of a ladder. Can I
top it off at 10-15 feet, like apple growers do with their trees? I
would
hate to spur rapid growth by pruning it, when the intention is to keep
it
short.
Sheila Smith
mikecook@pipeline.com
Niles, MI USA, Z 5/6
