Asimina triloba (F)

RHS Plant Profile
pawpaw
pawpaw RHS

Other common names

false banana, papaw

Fruit Edible Shrubs Trees

A shrub or small tree with oval leaves up to 30cm long, turning yellow in autumn. Purple-brown, cup-shaped flowers up to 5cm across are produced in late spring, followed by egg-shaped, edible fruit upto 12 cm long,yellow-green at first, ripening to yellow-brown

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Annonaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Asimina are deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, with broad or narrow, oval leaves. The purplish flowers are followed by sweet, pulpy, greenish or yellow fruits
Name Status
Correct
Horticultural Group
This genus produces fruit, but not necessarily edible fruit
Plant Range
SE Canada to C & E USA

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in acid or neutral, moist but well-drained soil. Needs long, hot summers to become a tree and produce fruit, otherwise grow as a multi-stemmed shrub

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in autumn, or by layering in autumn, or root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free