Asimina triloba Allegheny® PETERSON™

Allegheny Pawpaw is a superbly flavoured, highly productive pawpaw variety developed by renowned breeder Neal Peterson as part of the PETERSON™ Pawpaw series. This exceptional pawpaw tree cultivar produces large, creamy yellow fruit weighing up to 227 g (½ lb).

Pawpaw fruit is often described as a blend of banana, pineapple, and mango, and the Allegheny Pawpaw variety adds a subtle citrus note, making it a continual favourite among those who taste it. The fruit is excellent eaten fresh or used in salads, preserves, pies, vinaigrettes, and ice cream. Highly nutritious, pawpaws are rich in vitamin C and magnesium and contain more protein than bananas, apples, or oranges. Due to their delicate nature and short shelf life, pawpaws are rarely found in grocery stores.

Allegheny Pawpaw fruit trees are slow-growing with a naturally pyramidal shape, eventually reaching up to 6 m (20 ft) in height. Six-petalled, purplish-brown flowers bloom in May-June; while not showy, they are quite distinctive. The lush, tropical-looking green elliptical leaves can grow up to 30 cm (1 ft) long and turn a bright yellow before dropping in autumn.

Trees typically begin bearing fruit within two to three years. The mango-shaped fruit ripens from September to October, and on this variety the skin remains pure green at maturity. Asimina triloba ALLEGHENY® PETERSON™ is extremely productive and will require fruit thinning to ensure sizeable fruit.

A North American native, Asimina triloba ALLEGHENY® PETERSON™ is naturally resistant to most pests and diseases. Cultivars are hardy to USDA Zone 5a (-29 °C / -20 °F). Pawpaws prefer well-drained, moist to wet soils. Best fruit production occurs in full sun, though trees will grow well in partial shade.

While very low maintenance, pawpaws require cross-pollination, so at least two different seedlings or cultivars must be planted. Consider planting the native Asimina triloba or Asimina triloba 'Mango' nearby. Allegheny Pawpaw trees typically have a lifespan of 20–30 years.

With its bold, tropical appearance, the Allegheny pawpaw tree is sure to be a conversation piece in any landscape - just be sure to harvest the fruit before the squirrels and raccoons do!