Asimina triloba, commonly known as the American pawpaw or paw paw, is a deciduous perennial tree in the custard apple family, Annonaceae. A. triloba is native to the eastern United States where it is found growing as an understory tree in hardwood forests. The tree reaches 20 to 40 feet tall with a 8 to 12 inch wide diameter trunk. The leaves are large, simple, and alternately arranged with an ovate-lanceolate shape. The leaves are bright green and measure 10 to 12 inches long and 4 to 5 inches wide. Asimina triloba blooms in the spring with purple maroon flowers that have 6 petals and 3 sepals with a green center. The fruit are large and yellowish green to brown and measure 2 to 6 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide. Asimina triloba is grown for its fruit as they are known to be one of the largest native to the United States. The fruit has a pleasant taste that resembles a combination of banana, mango, and pineapple. The tree grows best in well draining soils that are rich in organic matter, sitting in full sun to partial shade. It is a drought sensitive tree that requires constant moist soil, however, avoid water logging the roots. USDA plant hardiness zone 5a to 8b.
Asimina triloba seeds require a period of cold stratification to germinate reliably. Place the seeds in a ziplock bag with a small amount of moist, but not soaking wet, sterile substrate (i.e. sand, perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, or even a paper towel). Place the ziplock bag inside the refrigerator for 3 to 4 months prior to planting. After the period of cold stratification, sow seeds ¼ inch deep in a moist, but well-draining potting mixture. Sown seeds require consistent moisture to germinate, but the soil should not remain soaking wet. Soil should be moist and well-draining with a neutral pH. Seeds should be kept between 70°F to 75°F. Germination typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to occur. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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