Pawpaw

Pawpaw is a small, deciduous tree that typically grows up to 5m tall with a spreading, rounded crown. It is native to woodlands, ravines, and streambanks from Ohio south to northern Florida and east to Louisiana. It is the largest member of the custard apple family which also includes the related Asimina triloba (commonly called dwarf pawpaw), a similar but smaller plant. Pawpaw flowers appear in early spring (March-April) in panicles of 6-12 flowers. Each flower is about 5cm long, has 6 petals, and is borne on a long, pendulous stalk. Flowers are followed by edible, yellowish-green fruits which ripen in late summer to early fall.

Pawpaws are easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best fruit production occurs in full sun, but some shade is appreciated in hot summer climates. Prefers moist, rich, organic soils. Soils must not be allowed to dry out. Appreciates summer mulch. Site in a location protected from strong winds. Avoid planting where late spring frosts commonly occur. However, trees are somewhat tolerant of light frost and will usually survive temperatures down to about -15°. Pawpaws are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate trees. Trees are also self-incompatible, meaning that trees must be planted in groups of at least 2 different cultivars in order to get fruit set. Pawpaws are relatively slow-growing trees, taking 10-20 years to reach maturity.

The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Asimina triloba</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.

Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> — Global Biodiversity Information Facility