How to Grow Asimina triloba Plants in your Garden

Asimina triloba, also known as the Pawpaw tree, is a flowering tree native to the Southeastern part of the United States.

The tree grows to between 15 and 30 feet (4.5 to 9 m) in height and has a spread of about the same size.

Asimina triloba tree fall
Asimina triloba tree showing fall yellow colour, photograph by Cranbrook Science; CC.

The tree features long, oval leaves of pale green, and dark purple or red flowers; these bloom from April to May in the Northern hemisphere.

Asimina triloba flowers branch
Asimina triloba flowers hanging from a branch, photograph by Judy Gallagher; CC.

Pawpaw flower close up, photograph by Judy Gallagher; CC.

After the flowers have passed, yellow-green fruits appear. These are edible and taste somewhat like bananas.

Pawpaw
Pawpaw fruit photograph by StingrayPhil.

Asimina triloba are generally considered to be easy to care for, and for that reason, they're a popular choice as a statement tree in the yard or for use in a rain garden.

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing the Pawpaw Tree

Asimina triloba is often found growing along streams or in the lower regions of wooded areas, so it makes sense that this tree prefers medium to wet soil.

These trees thrive in partial shade, but they will also tolerate full sun or full shade.

Soils that are high in nutrients and that remain moist are the best choice for these trees, but even sandy or clay type soils will still allow the tree to grow well.

The Pawpaw tree is a hardy plant and is not generally susceptible to diseases or parasites.

Asimina triloba reproduces through cross-pollination, but the tree can also be propagated from its root suckers.

Trees that are located near each other and can cross-pollinate tend to produce more fruit.

So if an overabundance of unwanted fruit is an issue, it may be best to keep only one tree in the garden.

Asimina triloba Growing and Care Guide

Scientific Name: Asimina triloba
Common Name: Pawpaw
Growing Zone: USA: 5 to 8 / UK: H4.
Life Cycle / Plant Type: Tree

Plant Details

Plant Height (Inches): 180 to 360
Plant Spread (Inches): 180 to 240
Time of Bloom: Spring
Flower Details: Purple
Leaf Foliage: Green
Fruit:
Growth Form: Rounded, Upright or erect

Ideal Growing Conditions

Best Light Conditions: Shady to full sunlight
Rate of Growth: Average pace
Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly alkaline, Well drained
Soil Moisture: Moist

Caring Conditions

Care:
Level of Maintenance: Low
Propagation: Seeds
How to Prune: Not usually required
Pests:
Diseases:

Further Information

Can Attract: Birds, Butterflies
Tolerant of: Wet Soil
Best Garden Use: Border, Areas requiring pest tolerance, Specimen, Woodland garden
Family: Annonaceae.
Closely Related Species: Soursop.

Miscellaneous: North American native, Attracts butterflies, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms
Genus Detail: Asimina
Further Reading and References: Here and Here

Pawpaw fruits
Pawpaw fruits, image by Wendell Smith; CC.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Asimina triloba. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ wet soil plant growing guides: How to grow Synthyris and Rodgersia plants.