The pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is more than just a tree; it’s a living link to our continent’s past. While it produces the largest native edible fruit in the country, it remains a hidden gem to many. As we mark the Semiquincentennial, join us at Mt. Cuba Center for an immersive look at this resilient native species.
As interest in this historic fruit continues to grow among gardeners and food enthusiasts alike, now is the perfect time to experience it for yourself. Join Rodney Dever of Peterson Pawpaws for an engaging exploration of the pawpaw’s history, folklore, and its rise in popularity from the time of the Founding Fathers to today. Rodney will guide you through the transition of the pawpaw from a forest forage staple to a prized orchard variety. Whether you are a gardener looking for the best cultivars or a food enthusiast eager to try something new, this experience offers a rare opportunity to learn the lore and savor the creamy, custard-like flavor of the fruit that has captivated Americans for over 250 years.
You will learn about the best varieties for flavor and fruiting and discover the many ways this versatile fruit can be enjoyed. Surrounded by the beauty of Mt. Cuba’s gardens, you will not only learn about the tree’s storied past but also savor the legendary flavor of the pawpaw for yourself.
This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Sunday, September 20, 2026. Cost: $45 for general registration, $36 for members.
🥬 New class
About the Instructor:
Rodney completed his MS in evolutionary biology at West Virginia University researching wild onions (Allium). His focus is on that fine line between foraging wild edibles and incipient agriculture. These days Rodney works with Neal Peterson, creating new and improved varieties of pawpaws as well as other native plants. He regularly leads nature walks as president of the Eastern Panhandle Chapter of the West Virginia Native Plant Society.
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