Paw Paw (asimina triloba)

Size: 2 Gallon Pot

Name: Paw Paw – Asimina triloba

Type: Small tree

Growth Characteristics  Pawpaw is a deciduous, understory tree that grows 15-25 feet tall and wide. It is know for its sweet fruit produced in late summer to early fall.  In early spring, 6-petaled, purplish-brown flowers mature before the leaves emerge. The pollen from separate trees are required to produce fruit. The pawpaw fruit is 2.5 to 6 inches long. Mature fruits have a banana custard flavor. Raw fruits can be eaten in small quantities but can cause stomach/skin irritation in some people. Harvesting the fruit can be difficult with competition from hungry wildlife. It is recommended to wear gloves when harvesting as contact dermatitis has been known to occur. The large leaves turn a yellow color in the fall. The paw paw tree has a moderate growth rate and trees should be planted 6 feet or more apart. Trees can produce root suckers which may need to be trimmed.

Hardiness: Climate zones 5-9

Light Requirements: Grows in deep shade to full sunlight.

Water Needs: It prefers moist conditions with good drainage and will tolerate occasional wet areas.

Soil Preference: Does best in nutrient rich moist soils that are acidic.

DISEASE, PEST AND DEER RESISTANCE

Is moderately deer resistant. The pawpaw peduncle borer is a small moth whose larvae burrow into flower stalks. They can destroy large numbers of flowers.

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

Pawpaw does well in naturalized, riparian, or woodland areas. which makes pawpaw a good addition to a butterfly, pollinator, or rain garden.

Value to Wildlife and Insects

It is a flowering tree that attracts butterflies, pollinators, small mammals, and songbirds. Flowers attract butterflies.