Paw Paw

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Often called “the banana of the Northeast,” Asimina triloba is the largest native fruit tree in North America, and one of the most delicious. Its custard-like fruit has a tropical flavor reminiscent of banana, mango, and melon, and ripens in late summer to early fall. The soft, greenish fruits are rich in vitamins, deeply satisfying, and rarely found in stores due to their short shelf life making them a true gardener’s treasure.

Pawpaw is native to river valleys and bottomlands throughout the eastern U.S., including parts of New England, and thrives in moist, fertile soils. As an understory tree, it tolerates partial shade when young but needs full sun for best fruit production. The large, drooping leaves give it a lush, almost tropical appearance, and its maroon spring flowers are pollinated by flies and beetles.

This is a slow but deeply rewarding species, perfect for food forests, native edible gardens, and permaculture systems. Plant at least two for cross-pollination and future harvests.

Details:

• Height: 15–30 feet

• Spread: 10–20 feet

• Light: Part shade (young); full sun for fruiting

• Soil: Moist, well-drained; prefers rich, loamy soils

• Bloom time: Early spring (deep red flowers)

• Fruit: Late summer to fall; edible, soft tropical-flavored fruit

• Pollination: Requires at least two genetically distinct trees

• Wildlife value: Fruit supports mammals; host plant for zebra swallowtail butterfly

• Zones: 5–9

• Native to: Eastern and central U.S.