Common Pawpaw Custard Apple
Asimina triloba
Annonaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced
Last updated
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Height
15–20 ft
Spread
13 ft
Growth Rate
Slow
Size at 20 yr
25 ft
Lifespan
Short-lived
Site Requirements
Light
Part Shade
Soil Drainage
Wet Tolerant
Soil pH
4.7-7.2
Water
Moderate
Drought Tolerance
Low
Hardiness
Zones 5a–8b
Ornamental Interest
Bloom Time
April to May
Fall Color
Yellow
Origin
extends from Ontario, north of Lake Erie
Watch for this season
Cytospora CankerHigh
Peak Spore Production and Dispersal
Fire BlightHigh
Bloom Infection Window
Powdery MildewHigh
Active Conidial Spread
AphidHigh
Peak Population & Dispersal
+ 3 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Diseases: Regionally Documented (14)
Blueberry mosaic virus and related viruses Virus Diseases Venturia spp. — multiple host-specific species: V Scab Multiple obligate biotrophic fungi (Erysiphales: Erysipha... Powdery Mildew Phytophthora spp Phytophthora fruit rot Perennial Canker (Bull's-eye Rot) Nectria cinnabarina Nectria Twig Blight (Coral Spot) Nectria Canker (European Canker) Fruit russet Fruit Russeting Erwinia amylovora Fire Blight Cytospora spp. (Valsa spp., Leucostoma spp.) Cytospora Canker Rhizobium radiobacter (formerly Agrobacterium tumefaciens) Crown Gall Phytophthora cactorum (primary), P Crown and Collar Rot Burrknot Bitter Pit
Pests: Regionally Documented (16)
Phyllonorycter blancardella Tentiform leafminer Malacosoma spp. Tent caterpillar Tetranychidae Spider mite Diaspidiotus perniciosus San Jose scale Parthenolecanium spp. Lecanium scale Tortricidae Leafroller Cicadellidae Leafhopper Archips argyrospila Fruittree leafroller Forficula auricularia Earwig Noctuidae Cutworms and Armyworms Cydia pomonella Codling moth Halyomorpha halys Brown marmorated stink bug Choreutis pariana Apple-and-thorn skeletonizer Rhagoletis pomonella Apple maggot Yponomeuta malinellus Apple ermine moth Aphidoidea Aphid
Phenological Calendar
As of June 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2435.5 to 2672.8 GDD₃₂. Common Pawpaw Custard Apple has passed 'leaf emergence' (1614 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,673 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,665 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,610 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,570 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,535 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,533 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,436 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
View full calendar (5 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Fall color / leaf senescence' BBCH '93' | 1392 | '' |
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 1606 | '' |
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 1614 | '' |
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 1614 | '' |
| ● 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' NOW | 1614 | '' |
Source: 'NPN citizen science observations (WA+OR), n=13, median. services.usanpn.org' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 19, 2026, then climate normals.
Data Maturity Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.