Pawpaw
Asimina triloba
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Pl. 8C82 — Asimina triloba
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IOverview
Overview
Asimina triloba is a perennial plant that can take the form of a tree or shrub, belonging to its respective family. It is native to a region that includes Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, and several other states. This plant is known for its edible fruits. One of its distinctive features is its ability to thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, including full sun and partial sun or shade. It can be found growing in the wild across a broader range that extends into Canada and additional US states, including Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia. The plant can be propagated through root suckers, grafted saplings, or direct seeding outdoors, and its edible fruits make it a notable species.
Quick answers
What is Pawpaw?
Asimina triloba is a perennial plant that can take the form of a tree or shrub, belonging to its respective family. It is native to a region that includes Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, and several other states. This plant is known for its edible fruits.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
This plant thrives in full sun to partial sun and shade, and prefers moist soil with a medium consistency and a pH between 4.7 and 7.2. It is hardy in zones 5-8. To cultivate, it can be propagated through root suckers, grafted saplings, or by directly sowing seeds outdoors. With proper care, it can grow into a tree or shrub, reaching heights of 4.5 meters and widths of 7 meters. Regular watering is necessary to maintain the preferred moist soil conditions, supporting the growth of this perennial plant and its edible fruits.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium
Hardiness
5-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
4.5 m × 7 m
Soil pH
4.7–7.2
- Propagation
- Root suckers, grafted sapling, or direct seed outdoors
- Row spacing
- 600 cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Pawpaw for the first time
7steps
Start with a pawpaw tree for the easiest beginner experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A young grafted sapling or root sucker, well-draining soil, and a container if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring before new growth starts or in late summer after the heat has subsided.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 4.7 and 7.2, and amend as needed for containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings or root suckers directly into the garden or pot, ensuring roots are not damaged.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:fruits
Edible uses: The fruits of this plant are edible. They can be eaten raw or cooked, but specific preparation methods are not provided. The fruits are the only edible part mentioned, with no information on how they are typically prepared or consumed beyond being eaten raw or cooked.
Other uses:DyeFiberPest controlLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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