Tree
Pawpaw
Asimina triloba
Features
Small, but interesting, dark purple flowers in spring; tropical-looking, drooping foliage; yellow fall color; tasty fruit.
Culture
This is an understory tree, so it does well in shade, but also grows in full sun; prefers a consistently moist soil; best in a slightly acid soil, but tolerant of alkaline soils.
Cultivars
Some cultivars have been developed, but are generally difficult to obtain.
Mature Height
15-20 Feet
Size
Small
Mature Form
Rounded to pyramidal; often multi-trunked
Native To:
United States (and Illinois)
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 7
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Wet Sites
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Shade
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Uses
Massing
Screen
Specimen
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Yellow
Pests and Problems
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:
Difficult to transplant.
Additional Notes
A good choice for moist sites.
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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