SKU: TA00756

Asimina triloba - Paw Paw is a small tree or largish shrub which can spread by root suckering to form large colonies. It is naturally found in bottomlands and floodplains and is easily recognized by its large leaves, which can be up to 12 inches long and are odorous when bruised. Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Paw Paw prefers moist, acidic, fertile soils. The fruits are sweet-flavored and have the flavor and fleshy consistency resembling bananas.

Height: 15-30 feet
Spread: 15-30 feet
Zone: 5 to 9
Soil type: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loamy Clay, Loam, Clay
Soil pH: 5.2-7.2
Light: Full sun to part shade
Moisture: Medium to wet
Flowers: April-May, purple
Fruit: Sept, yellow-green to brown when ripe
Fall color: yellow

Wildlife value: Larval host for Pawpaw Sphinx and Zebra Swallowtail. Pawpaw fruits are consumed by many birds and mammals, including raccoons, gray foxes, opossums, squirrels, and black bears. White-tailed deer browse pawpaw; beavers consume the bark.
Notes of Interest: pawpaws seldom set much fruit without cross pollination. American Indians used Paw Paw for food and the inner bark was used to make strong ropes and string.

Distribution
AL , AR , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , MD , MI , MS , MO , NE , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV , WI , DC
Native Distribution: FL to TX n. to w. NY s. Ont. MI IL s.e. IA & s.e. NE
Native Habitat: Ditches Ravines Depressions Flood plains bottomland