Asimina triloba
Common name: Paw Paw
We've been told the leaf looks coarse or primitive, but we say it has a tropical flair. In fact, it is the farthest north-growing member of a very tropical family. The dark green leaves can be over a foot in length, and its smooth silvery bark certainly adds to the tropical feel. Very early in the spring, deep purple flowers hang like velvety bells, but have a scent only a beetle or fly could love (these are the main pollinators). The fruit is no longer than 6 inches and is extremely rich and edible, ripening in the fall. We have grown it in more than half-day sun, but we recommend planting in part shade with protection from the south and west. More than one tree is needed for cross-pollination and good fruit set.
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Plant Details
Plant type
Trees
Soil type
Mesic (Not too Wet Not too Dry), Moist Mesic, Wet
Light exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun / Part Shade
Bloom period
Spring
Urban environment
Uncompacted Urban Soils, Requires Protected Site, Yards that Flood
Habitat
Floodplain, Moist Woods, Savannas, Wetlands, Woodlands
Growth form
Single trunk, Colonizing / Spreading
Growth rate
Moderate
Flower color
Dark Purple
Fall color
Yellow
Size
- Mature height
- 15 Feet
- Mature width
- 10 Feet
- Max height
- 25 Feet
- Max width
- 20 Feet
Additional information
Butterfly host plant Edible fruit
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