American Pawpaw

(Asimina triloba)

American Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Asimina triloba, commonly known as the American Pawpaw, is a small deciduous tree native to the understory of rich, moist, deciduous forests, often near river bottoms and flood plains in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. It typically grows to a height of 25 feet and a width of 15-30 feet. The pawpaw is notable for its large, yellowish-green to brown fruit, which is the largest edible fruit indigenous to the United States. The fruit has a sweet, custard-like flavor reminiscent of banana, mango, and pineapple, and is consumed raw or used in culinary preparations such as ice cream and baked desserts.

The American Pawpaw is valued for its unique fruit, low maintenance, and tolerance of different light conditions. It is suitable for hardiness zones 5-9 and takes 7-8 years from seedling to fruiting. The tree produces inconspicuous brown, yellow, purple, and red flowers in the spring, which are pollinated by flies and beetles. Pawpaw trees are often planted as an understory tree in larger gardens and naturalized areas. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil and can tolerate full sun to part shade. While generally pest-resistant, they can suffer from pawpaw-specific diseases such as pawpaw decline.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 15-20 feet
  • Width: 15-30 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Brown, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

Understory of rich, moist, deciduous forests, often near river bottoms and flood plains

Other Names

Common Names: Indian-Banana, American Papaw, Paw-Paw, Paw Paw, Dog-Banana, Papau, Asimina, Asiminier

Scientific Names: , Asimina triloba, Annona triloba, Annona pendula, Asimina campaniflora, Asimina conoidea, Asimina glabra, Asimina grandiflora, Asimina virginiana, Orchidocarpum arietinum

GBIF Accepted Name: Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal