Summary
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) can be grown as a large, multi-stemmed shrub or a small tree. Typically reaching 15-30’ tall, it is easily grown in moist, fertile, well-drained and slightly acidic soil. Naturally found growing as an understory tree, plants generally have an open and leggy habit, but will produce a dense and pyramidal form when grown in full sun. Plants have a suckering habit and can produce loose, open colonies where happy. Leaves are drooping, 2”-4” wide and can be up to 1’ long, which gives the plant a tropical-like appearance. Autumn color is usually yellow green but some plants have brilliant, clear yellow autumn foliage.
Pendulous, bell-shaped, 1”-2” wide, six-petaled flowers are deep maroon and are displayed singly from the leaf axils in mid-to-late spring before leaves emerge. The flowers develop into edible fruits that are reported to taste like banana and have a custard-like consistency. Fruits are enjoyed by people and a variety of small mammals. The foliage is a food source for the zebra swallowtail butterfly and pawpaw sphinx moth caterpillars. Plant pawpaw in a native edible garden or allow it to naturalize with a mixed underplanting of may-apple (Podophyllum peltatum), false Solomon’s-seal (Maianthemum racemosum), and white wood aster (Eurybia divaricata). Zones 5-9.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub, small-tree - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun-to-part-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-wet - Flowering Period
april-to-may - Soil PH
slightly-acidic - Flower Color
maroon - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
golden-yellow, yellow-green - Fruit/Seed Color
green
Additional Information
Missouri Botanical Garden, Illinois Wildflowers, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center