Native Plant Profile: Persimmon
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a high wildlife value tree in the persimmon family (Ebenaceae). The genus name, Diospyros, literally translates to “Fruit of the Gods,” but when unripe, the fruit can be quite distasteful! This large fruit tree can grow up to 80 feet in height and prefers partial to full shade environments. 

Persimmons can be found throughout much of Maryland, aside from Garrett County.

Native Wildlife: Opossum
Lurking in backyards around Maryland is an unsung hero: the Virginia opossum. With its rat-like tail and 50-tooth grin, it isn’t always revered. However, recent research has indicated the Virginia opossum as an important tick predator, grooming off and consuming almost 4,000 ticks per week! In contrast, species like eastern cottontails and deer mice tend to leave ticks on their bodies. If that isn’t cool enough, a peptide in opossum blood can neutralize snake venom, allowing it to dine on venomous snakes.