Pawpaw Tree

Looking for a unique fruit with a tropical taste? Asimina triloba, the pawpaw tree, is the perfect plant for you! This tree produces the largest edible fruit native to North America, and is the only member of the tropical custard-apple family native to a temperate region. Big, oblong fruit is produced in late summer through fall upon attractive, conical-shaped trees. This Eastern North American native boasts dark maroon flowers in spring that are pollinated by flies. Large green leaves turn to an electric golden yellow come fall. This is truly a multi-purpose tree with beauty and flavor to offer throughout the year!

Growing at 20-25 feet tall, the pawpaw tree is well-suited to a variety of landscape purposes. It makes a fine structural focus point in borders, and can be used as an understory tree in woodland gardens. This tree provides valuable wildlife support, as it is the host plant for zebra swallowtail butterflies and a favorite for birds to nest in. The delicious fruit is produced after several years, often falling to the ground when ripe. Green fruit will turn yellow-brown, soften, and bruise easily once it has reached optimal ripeness. The flavor is comparable to sweet bananas and mangoes, with a delectable custard texture. It is a great source of antioxidants, and can be enjoyed raw or as a replacement for bananas in any baking recipe. 

Pawpaw Tree Care

Plant Pawpaw in a sheltered location, as it is prone to breakage from high winds. Pawpaws produce best in full sun, but partial shade will still result in good growth and a fruit crop. Planting under more shade will result in a more shrub-like habit. Pawpaws prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. Slow-release fertilizer can be applied every spring. Water weekly to aid in fruit development, or more if rainfall is infrequent. Prolonged dryness may result in premature fruit drop. 

Pruning pawpaw trees helps to increase fruit yields. Prune in late winter or early spring, before bud break. Remove all dead or damaged branches, and maintain a distance of about 12 inches between all branches. For a more upright, standard form, prune out the lower branches. 

Pawpaw Tree Spacing

More than one pawpaw plant is required for fruit production. Pawpaw trees should be planted with other pawpaw trees, with about 15-30 feet of spacing for adequate cross-pollination and fruiting.