Pawpaw, Bare Root

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

A native understory tree with an unusual late-season fruit crop. It can grow in woodland shade, but a mature tree in sun generally produces more fruit.

Key Characteristics

Custard fruit from a temperate tree

Let fruit soften before eating the pulp. These seedlings 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: Requires cross-pollination: plant at least two genetically distinct pawpaw seedlings with overlapping bloom.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5–8
• Stock: Seed-grown bare root plants; choose the seedling size.
• Winter chill: Published estimates span about 400–1,000 hours; these seedlings are not individually rated.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Plant promptly and keep bare roots from drying out. Water the root zone, mulch clear of the stems, and protect seedlings from mowing damage and browsing. Base fertilizer on a soil test rather than feeding automatically; if needed, our Tree Planting Kit fertilizer blend should be used according to its label.

Avoid saturated soil and drying roots during establishment. Some leaf feeding is expected on a butterfly host; inspect declining shoots before deciding on treatment. Avoid insecticides on open flowers.

Interested in permaculture and stacking functions? Our fruit-tree guild guide explains how to combine planting layers and roles around fruit trees.