This native understory tree or large shrub grows 15-20’ tall (sometimes to 30’) and occurs naturally in low bottom woods, wooded slopes, ravines and along streams. Cup-shaped, purple flowers in spring give way to edible, oblong, yellowish green fruits which mature in early autumn to a dark brown. Flavor and fleshy consistency resemble bananas. Wildlife eagerly seek out the fruits and often beat humans to the harvest!
Pawpaws require cross-pollination from an unrelated pawpaw. We offer pawpaws grown from different stock for cross-pollination. Trees planted within a half-mile of nearby wild or cultivated pawpaws should also produce fruit.
Larval host to zebra swallowtail butterfly.
Opossums, foxes, squirrels, raccoons, and birds are all known to enjoy pawpaw and are likely to be closely watching for ripe fruits.