{"product_id":"pawpaw","title":"Pawpaw","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"30\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"10\"\u003ePawpaw\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem data-start=\"12\" data-end=\"29\"\u003eAsimina triloba\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"32\" data-end=\"632\"\u003ePawpaw is North America's largest native tree fruit, producing creamy, tropical-flavored fruit unlike anything else grown in temperate climates. Hidden beneath the forest canopy throughout much of eastern North America, this unique understory tree bears custard-like fruit with flavors often compared to banana, mango, pineapple, and vanilla. Beyond its remarkable fruit, Pawpaw is one of the most ecologically valuable native trees for woodland gardens and food forests, serving as a host plant for specialized butterflies while thriving in partially shaded landscapes where many fruit trees cannot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"634\" data-end=\"657\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"634\" data-end=\"657\"\u003eKey Characteristics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"659\" data-end=\"1116\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"659\" data-end=\"711\"\u003eA truly unique native fruit with tropical flavor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"711\" data-end=\"714\"\u003ePawpaw produces large, green fruits with rich, custard-like flesh that is exceptionally sweet and aromatic when fully ripe. The fruit is delicious eaten fresh and is also prized for smoothies, ice cream, breads, puddings, cheesecakes, jams, and frozen desserts. Rich in vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants, Pawpaw offers one of the most nutritious native fruits available to home growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1118\" data-end=\"1621\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1118\" data-end=\"1168\"\u003eAn essential host plant for native butterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1168\" data-end=\"1171\"\u003ePawpaw is the exclusive larval host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly (\u003cem data-start=\"1250\" data-end=\"1271\"\u003eEurytides marcellus\u003c\/em\u003e), making it indispensable for anyone hoping to support this striking native species. The maroon spring flowers are pollinated primarily by flies and beetles rather than bees, adding another fascinating ecological relationship to this remarkable tree. Ripe fruit is also enjoyed by raccoons, foxes, opossums, squirrels, and numerous woodland mammals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1623\" data-end=\"2120\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1623\" data-end=\"1673\"\u003ePerfect for food forests and woodland orchards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1673\" data-end=\"1676\"\u003eNaturally adapted to the understory of deciduous forests, Pawpaw thrives where many fruit trees struggle. It serves as an ideal understory layer beneath larger canopy trees such as oak, hickory, or sugar maple and pairs beautifully with American Hazelnut, Spicebush, Serviceberry, Elderberry, and woodland wildflowers. Its large tropical-looking foliage creates a lush, layered appearance while contributing to resilient food forest ecosystems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2122\" data-end=\"2590\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2122\" data-end=\"2170\"\u003eEasy to grow and long-lived once established\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2170\" data-end=\"2173\"\u003eYoung Pawpaw trees appreciate partial shade during establishment, while mature trees produce the heaviest fruit crops with increased sunlight. Their deep taproot makes transplanting older specimens difficult, but once established, they become remarkably hardy, drought tolerant, and productive for decades. Planting two genetically distinct varieties ensures excellent cross-pollination and abundant fruit production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2592\" data-end=\"2611\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2592\" data-end=\"2611\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2612\" data-end=\"2932\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1k100e9\" data-start=\"2612\" data-end=\"2665\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2614\" data-end=\"2631\"\u003eNative range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern and central North America\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"zk757n\" data-start=\"2666\" data-end=\"2704\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2689\"\u003ePlant life cycle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perennial tree\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1uyc4xq\" data-start=\"2705\" data-end=\"2754\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2707\" data-end=\"2728\"\u003eSun requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1n6vz4n\" data-start=\"2755\" data-end=\"2800\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2757\" data-end=\"2779\"\u003eSoil requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to medium-wet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"fv8vxt\" data-start=\"2801\" data-end=\"2832\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2803\" data-end=\"2821\"\u003eMature height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15–30 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"f0r50k\" data-start=\"2833\" data-end=\"2862\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2835\" data-end=\"2850\"\u003eBloom time:\u003c\/strong\u003e April – May\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1n7t5b7\" data-start=\"2863\" data-end=\"2900\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"2881\"\u003eBloom color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maroon to burgundy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"dob8hq\" data-start=\"2901\" data-end=\"2932\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2903\" data-end=\"2928\"\u003eUSDA Hardiness zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2934\" data-end=\"3554\"\u003ePawpaw grows best in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with consistent moisture during establishment. Young trees benefit from protection from intense afternoon sun, while mature trees become increasingly productive with greater sunlight exposure. Because flowers are not reliably self-fertile, plant at least two genetically distinct cultivars or seedlings nearby for the best fruit set. Whether incorporated into a woodland food forest, native edible landscape, or backyard orchard, Pawpaw offers a truly unique harvest while supporting one of North America's most distinctive native butterfly species.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Farm Connection","offers":[{"title":"2 Gallon \/ 1-2'","offer_id":46145838940419,"sku":"TFT-0824","price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2 Gallon (2) \/ 1-2'","offer_id":49334232613123,"sku":"TFT-2116-2","price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0675\/1128\/8067\/files\/Pawpaw-Tree-For-Sale_81f1f60e-b161-42c4-9c90-49e7d0cef9de.jpg?v=1731953353","url":"https:\/\/tfcnursery.com\/products\/pawpaw","provider":"The Farm Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}