Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Pawpaw Tree
(Asimina triloba)
Pawpaw is a strange and interesting tree. It's a deciduous tree with fancy edible fruit. It's native to the eastern, southern, and midwestern United States as well as southern Ontario.
Pawpaw grows in sloping lowland areas, streambanks, riverbanks and floodplains. They are readily noticeable as they form large, sprawling colonies of themselves. These Pawpaw colonies form when a central, mother tree sends out underground shoots called root suckers which eventually create Pawpaw "patches" of several, genetically identical trees, connected to one another, sharing a common root system and the same DNA. Because the trees within this system are clones of the mother tree, they cannot pollinate themselves nor can they pollinate each other. For this reason, in order to produce fruit, Pawpaw seeds from a genetically different Pawpaw tree should be planted near the mother tree and its colony.
The Pawpaw blooms dark maroon flowers that emit a faint and unpleasant odor which attracts beetles and flies rather than bees. Naturally grown Pawpaw typically take 4 to 8 years to begin fruit production. The oblong, pale to light green fruit ripens in late summer through October and weighs up to a pound. Its flesh is soft and custard-like, described as having a delightful, tropical blend of flavors: banana, mango, and pineapple, and perhaps a hint of vanilla. Once harvested, Pawpaw fruit doesn't last long, so it should be enjoyed quickly. While they are wonderful eaten just as they are straight off the tree, their smooth texture begs to be used in puddings, frozen desserts, cakes, and muffins. However, everything in moderation as you will learn in the next paragraph.
Pawpaw leaves, twigs, bark, seeds and the ripe fruit pulp all contain acetogenins; a natural compound that makes the Pawpaw unpalatable to deer and most pests. It can also cause health conditons in humans when consumed in large or frequent amounts.
For information regarding common diseases and pests of Pawpaw visit Clemson Cooperative Extension's Home and Garden Information Center.
Copyright © 2026 Skipping Rock Farm - All Rights Reserved.
Conditions
Light:
- Deep to Partial shade for young trees - keep protected/shielded.
- Full sun at fourth year.
Young trees (up to about 3 years old) will suffer in Full Sun conditions so they should be protected during that time. Once they are older, full sun will elicit improved fruit production.
Soils:
- Loam, Sandy Loam
- Pawpaw does not tolerate heavy clay or extremely sandy soils.
- Deep and Fertile
- Soil pH 5.5 - 7.0
- Alkaline soils will negatively affect growth and fruit flavor.
- Moist, Well Drained
Tolerances:
- Tolerates occasionally wet conditions.
- Does not tolerate waterlogged soils or ongoing standing water which will cause oxygen deprivation and devastating root rot.
- Deer resistant
- Low tolerance to extremely sandy or compacted soils.
Growth
Expect Pawpaw to grow slowly for the first few years as it develops its tap root. Thereafter, depending on the amount of sunlight available, expect annual growth of 6" to 24".
Mature height will be very tall, typically ranging from 15' to 30' with a spread of 10' to 20' and a trunk diameter of 8" to 12".
Pawpaw trees typically live for 20 to 40 years, but the broader underground root colony can survive much longer
Production Note:
Pawpaw is Dichogamous meaning its flowers have both male and female parts, but since these parts mature at different times (Female first/protogynous), Pawpaw cannot self-pollinate and will need a partner tree nearby that came from different seed.
Manufacturer's Specs
Carbon Storage Characteristics:
- Slight/Unimpressive
Pollution/Dust Interception:
- High
Tropospheric Ozone Tolerance:
- Low
Water Abatement:
- Very High
Oxygen Yield:
- Slight