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Pawpaw

Pawpaw

Pawpaw

(Indiana Banana)

Asimina Triloba

A small, understory tree native to the Midwest and eastern United States that tends to spread, forming thickets that provide privacy. Attractive tropical-like, bright-green leaves with small purple flowers in spring, yielding large green to yellow edible fruits in fall. The fruits are very nutritious and tasty but not commercially available as they fare poorly with shipping and storage and have a short shelf life. Production should begin after 5 to 8 years. The male and female parts of each flower mature at different times so at least 2 genetically distinct trees must be planted if fruit is desired; more than 2 increases the chance.

Additional information

Foliage

Deciduous

Locale

Native to North America

Height

Small (under 30ft)

Width

Narrow

Form

Multi Stemmed, Pyramidal

Growth Rate

Slow

Longevity

Short (under 50 years)

Hardiness Zones *

5

Sun Exposure

Full Sun (over 6 hrs), Mostly Shade (slow growth)

Soil Preferences *

Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining

Soil Tolerances

Clay, Slightly Alkaline, Wet

Other Tolerances

Occasional Flooding, Urban Pollution, Walnut Toxicity

Ornamental Interest

Fruit, Flowers (attractive), Leaves (shape)

Human Value

Edible (fruit)

Wildlife Value

Birds (fruits/seeds), Insect Pollinators (flowers), Large Mammals (fruits/seeds), Small Mammals (fruits/seeds)

Seed Collection

Ordered Online

Planting Considerations

Intolerant of Drought, Messy Seed Litter, Produces Suckers, Tricky to Transplant