Craig Hepworth:
“The ‘Turkey Lake’ tree in Gainesville was planted in 2002, and it has grown to a large size. Every autumn it produces abundant crops of fruit over a long period – most years you should find some ripe fruits if you visit any time from late August through the middle of December. (The very earliest fruits to drop sometimes don’t taste quite as rich as the ones which ripen from October onward). If you’re in the North Florida area, this is a good opportunity to experience what a really good form of American persimmon tastes like. I consider fruits of this species to be one of autumn’s finest treats.”
Craig selected this variety of wild American persimmon, due to its size & flavor, and propagated it here.
Visiting the ‘Turkey Lake’ tree in Gainesville:
The tree is located in Dreamer’s Garden, a city of Gainesville community garden located at the intersection of NW 10th Ave and NW 4th St. There’s easy parking across the street in the Earth Pets plaza (you can stop in at the store to pick up some eco-friendly treats for your furry companions while visiting the persimmon tree.)
Leela:
Thanks for the tip, Craig!
To other folks: bring a fruit picker or long tool that can trim off a laden branch. There are two of these trees and one can be climbed but requires long reach even up there. The fruits are astringent when unripe. Ripe when absolutely gooey. The fallen fruits are perfect but will have a spot of dirt to pick off. There are apparently more of these trees within the garden nearby.
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