Paw Paw

Asimina triloba

Size: 3, & 7 Gallon Availability

Tree
Max size: 20’ tall x 10’ wide
Average size: 15′ tall x 10′ wide

Very Moist, Usually Moist, Moist to Dry
Loam, Sand
Sun, Part Shade

AKA: Custard-Apple, Fetid-bush, Pawpaw, Papaw

Paw paws are small specimen tree whose flowers get pollinated by flies due to the smell the flowers give off. The flowers are red and bloom in spring, while the fall color is yellow. If the tree needs pruned, do so in late winter.

They produce the largest indigenous fruit to the U.S. and ripen in late summer. The fruits are custardy with a mild tropical taste. It is recommended to plant 2-3 pawpaws (any variety) for better fruit production; this is because pawpaws are self-incompatible. (1) Learn more about hand-pollinating paw paws here.

It is the larval host for zebra swallowtails, who have adapted to use the poisonous chemicals in Asimina to repel predators. It’s also the larval host for the pawpaw sphinx. The flowers also attract other species of butterflies, pollinators, small mammals, and songbirds. Many other species of wildlife eat the fruits, including but not limited to: birds, gray foxes, opossums, raccoons, mice, gopher tortoises, squirrels, deer, bear, and more.

Some tribes use the fruit to make spirits. The fibers from the bark can be used to string fish, make cordage, create bags, and other fiber arts. The pulp of the ripened fruit has been used to make a yellow dye. Thanks to the Iroquois, we know the fruit can be enjoyed raw or cooked for later use; fruits are often mashed into small cakes and dried (via sun or fire). The dried cakes can then be soaked in warm water for later use. Alternatively, fresh fruit can be cooked as a sauce or mixed into (corn) bread. (2) (3)

Additional Sources: NC State Extension, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center