Persimmon

Persimmon is a dense, exotic hardwood prized for its rich yellow-brown to deep reddish-brown heartwood and exceptionally fine, uniform texture. Native to North America and parts of Asia, Persimmon is renowned for its hardness, stability, and smooth finish, making it a favorite for precision woodworking and small artisan projects.

The straight to slightly interlocked grain reveals a natural chatoyance when polished, giving Persimmon a subtle, luxurious sheen. Its strength and fine texture make it ideal for pen blanks, knife handles, turned objects, inlays, small furniture accents, and specialty carvings, combining both durability and beauty in every piece.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Diospyros virginiana

Family: Ebenaceae

Origin: Eastern United States

Common & Trade Names

Persimmon, American Persimmon, Common Persimmon, Diospyros

Key Characteristics

Heartwood: yellow-brown to deep reddish-brown

Sapwood: pale, sharply defined

Fine, uniform texture

Straight to slightly interlocked grain

Dense, hard, and stable

Smooth natural luster

Workability

Machines, sands, and turns well with sharp tools

Polishes to a smooth, glossy finish

Glues and finishes reliably

Excellent for small precision and decorative projects

Health & Safety Note

Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Always use proper dust extraction, respirator, and eye protection when working with Persimmon.

Persimmon wood, Diospyros virginiana, American hardwood, exotic fruitwood, pen blank wood, knife handle wood, turning wood, decorative hardwood, artisan craft wood, dense hardwood