Asimina triloba (Common Pawpaw or Custard Apple)


Michael's Opinion

A plant that should not be planted for its form but more the uniqueness of the species. The fruit are unusual and edible and is a member of a tropical family that is rare in Ontario.

Botanical Information

FamilyAnnonaceae
GenusAsimina
Speciestriloba
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginSoutheastern United States.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-34 - (-1)
Temperature (°F)-30 - 30
Height7 m
Spread5 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay, June

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA medium size tree with large dull leaves and a drooping form.
ID CharacteristicIts somewhat drooping form, as if the plant is in wilt, is easily identifiable with Asimina. Leaves are a dull, light green and if found in fruit there is no other plant like it, the fruit being greenish yellow and about 12 cm long, often of varied shapes.
ShapeDroopy.
PropagationStratify seed in moist peat moss for a minimum of 60 days at 5°C.
CultivationMoist rich soils.
PestsFew known problems unless culturally related.
Notable SpecimensIn the village of St. Davids, Ontario, Canada, just west of the main intersection on the North side of the road. Ridgetown College, Ontario, Canada. The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatFound locally in most rich, sheltered isolated locations in South Western Ontario.
Bark/Stem DescriptionAt maturity is a dark grey/brown with light scaling. When young the bark is often smooth and dark brown with light scaling.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionNaked terminal buds which are dark brown.
Leaf DescriptionAlternate arrangement, 15-30 cm long, obovate, dark green above with pubescence on the underside of the leaf veins.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are about 5 cm across and are a rich deep purple. Flowering in late April to mid-May-June.
Fruit DescriptionIrregular shaped from 5-15 cm long, covered in a dull light grey bloom, turning a yellow upon ripening. Edible.
Colour DescriptionDark green leaves turning to a dull yellow in autumn.
Texture DescriptionA somewhat coarse and ungainly small tree that needs a little corrective pruning when planted in the cultured landscape.

Photographs