Pawpaw

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

These are seed-grown pawpaws, with natural variation in flavor, seediness, ripening, and time to bearing. Their custard-like fruit and zebra swallowtail host foliage fit a woodland edge or sunny native-fruit planting.

Key Characteristics

Custard fruit from a temperate tree

Let fruit soften before eating the pulp. Unselected pawpaws can differ substantially in flavor, seediness, ripening, and time to bearing.

A host with unusual pollinators

Pawpaw leaves feed zebra swallowtail caterpillars. Its dark flowers are visited mainly by flies and beetles rather than relying solely on bees.

Two different seedlings for fruit

Plant at least two genetically distinct seedlings with overlapping bloom. Root suckers from the same tree do not provide a new genetic pollen partner.

Shelter young plants, light mature trees

Give newly planted seedlings protection from intense sun while they establish. Keep roots moist, handle them gently, and plan for more sunlight as the trees mature if fruit is the goal.

Product Details

• Plant type: Deciduous perennial tree or large shrub
• Native range: Eastern North America
• Sun: Full Sun; Part Sun/Shade; Full Shade
• Soil moisture: Medium-Wet; Medium
• Mature height: 15–30 feet
• Bloom: March–April–May; Maroon, Purple, Brown
• Fruit: Soft custard-like flesh with banana-like and tropical flavors; remove skin and seeds.
• Harvest: August–October
• Pollination: Cross-pollination is required. Plant at least two genetically different pawpaw seedlings with overlapping bloom. Two independently grown seedlings from this listing can be partners even though both are named Pawpaw; they do not need different cultivar names. Pawpaw flowers have both male and female parts, but pollen from a genetically different tree is needed. Root suckers from one tree and grafts of the same cultivar do not provide that diversity.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9
• Winter chill: Published estimates span about 400–1,000 hours; this unselected stock is not individually rated.
• Planting options: Our potted plants are seedlings. Additional seed-grown plants are also available as bare-root pawpaws.
• Propagation: Seed-grown plants; fruit traits vary among seedlings.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Water the root ball before planting and set the plant at its original growing depth. Water through establishment, mulch clear of the trunk or stems, and protect young growth from browsing. Use a soil test to guide amendments. Give the mature canopy room and leave unsprayed flowering and habitat areas for visiting insects.

A Short-Lived Fresh Harvest

The ripe pulp has a soft, custard-like texture with banana-like and tropical flavors. Eat it promptly or freeze the pulp for later desserts, removing skin and seeds. Leaves feed zebra swallowtail caterpillars; the maroon flowers are visited mainly by flies and beetles. A group of different trees improves the opportunity for pollen transfer but does not guarantee a crop every year.