Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Pawpaw

Asimina triloba
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr), Mid (May - June)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Yellow

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Green fruit and foliage.
Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Butterfly
Wildlife Benefit
Cover, Food/Birds, Food/Small Animals
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

30 to
60
feet

Spread:

15 to
20
feet
Size
Height: 30 to
60
feet
Spread: 15 to
20
feet
Size
Height: 30 to
60
feet
Spread: 15 to
20
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Naturalize near streams or along the edge of woodlands. Plant as host plant for zebra swallowtail butterfly and to attract songbirds and small mammals. Provides cover for wildlife.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Plant in partial shade in deep, rich, moist to mesic soil. Older plants can tolerate sun. Put young plants (or seeds) in mostly shade.
Special Features
Special Usage
Edible
Basic Description

Multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with tropical-looking, 6-12″ long leaves. Brown flowers bloom in early spring (March-May) before lush, large leaves appear. Edible, 2-5″ yellowish fruit ripens in later fall and is relished by many birds and small mammals. Plant is larval food of Zebra Swallowtail butterfly. Spreads slowly to form small colonies or thickets. Pollinated by flies. Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.

 

Brown flower on a tree limb.

Pawpaw flowers. Photo: Patrick Byers.

Where Should I Start?

Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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