Asimina triloba (Pawpaw)

Noted for its great foliage effect, Asimina triloba (Pawpaw) is a large, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with large, slightly drooping, oval, rich green leaves, 6-12 in. long (15-30 cm), turning brilliant yellow to golden hues in fall. Cup-shaped, purple flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), appear in spring before the leaves, and are followed by egg-shaped, edible, greenish yellow fruit, 5 in. long (12 cm), which mature to black and have a slight banana-like taste. The fruits are usually eaten raw or used in ice creams or pies. They attract wildlife and may persist on the tree for weeks, resembling Christmas ornaments. This is a good understory tree with no serious disease or insect problems.

• Grows up to 15-30 ft. tall and wide (4-9 m). Will sucker to form colonies or thickets.
• A full sun to part shade lover, Pawpaw is easily grown in acid or neutral, medium to wet, well-drained soils. Needs long, hot summers to become a tree and produce fruit, otherwise can be grown as a multi-stemmed shrub.
• Generally pest and disease free.
• A fine choice for city gardens, Mediterranean gardens, wall side borders, rain gardens and damp areas along ponds or streams.
• No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
• Propagate by seed sown in autumn, or by layering in autumn, or root cuttings in winter.
• Native to southeastern United States.
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Pawpaw belongs to the Annonaceae family, commonly known as the custard apple family. This diverse family includes a variety of tropical and subtropical fruit trees prized for their unique flavors and ornamental value. Other notable members of the Annonaceae family include:

• Annona squamosa (Sugar Apple): Small tropical tree producing sweet, creamy, segmented fruits. Popular in Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
• Annona cherimola (Cherimoya): Known for its creamy, custard-like flesh with tropical flavors. Mark Twain called it “the most delicious fruit known to men.”
• Annona muricata (Soursop or Graviola): Produces large, spiny fruits with sweet-sour pulp, used in food and traditional medicine.
• Annona reticulata (Custard Apple): Closely related to Sugar Apple and Cherimoya, with softer flesh and reddish or yellow skin when ripe.
• Annona glabra (Pond Apple): Found in swampy areas; its fruit is edible but less palatable, and it’s more valued for its ecological resilience.