Asimina 'Mango' Paw Paw is a small, shrubby tree valued not only for fruit production but also for ornamental purposes and can fit beautifully into an edible landscape. In spring, the tree blooms in attractive and fragrant purplish brown blossoms followed in early fall by an abundant crop of large, tasty fruit set against a backdrop of yellow fall color. The fruit has attractive orange-yellow flesh with a creamy custard-like texture and a refreshing tropical flavor reminiscent of a mango, banana, and vanilla custard smoothie. Paw paws are a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and several essential amino acids.
An Asimina triloba variety, commonly called paw paw, pawpaw, paupau, or papau, 'Mango' is grafted onto paw paw seedling root stock and is one of the most vigorous varieties. It makes an excellent accent or specimen plant and can be trained as an espalier or grown in a container. In the garden, this paw paw tree can reach up to between 15 to 20 feet tall at full maturity, but it can be pruned to maintain any desired size and shape. In a container, the tree will be much smaller, but it will still flower and set full-sized fruits. However, best harvests occur when 2 or more different varieties are grown together.
Paw paw trees grow best in sunny locations with deep, evenly moist, well-draining soil having a slightly acidic pH.
A native plant, paw paw trees are indigenous to North America. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.
