812-217-7207
reseednursery@gmail.comDeciduous Tree • $10-$15, various sizes
| Height | 15 to 30 ft |
| Spacing | 15 to 30 ft |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun to Shade |
| Soil Moisture | Medium to Wet |
| Bloom Time | April, May |
| Bloom Color | Deep Purple |
| Companion Plantings | Yellow Buckeye |
| Special Attributes |    |
Asimina triloba
Where to even begin describing this rock-star of a native tree? Pawpaw produces the largest edible fruit (technically a berry) from any plant native to the US, and is actually a member of the mostly-tropical custard family (Annonaceae). Pawpaw fruit tastes a little sweet and tangy and is often compared to a banana. The nutritious fruit has been used in cancer therapies and the woody parts of this plant contain a natural insecticide.
Pawpaw will grow in sun or shade but young plants will not tolerate full-sun until they are at least 2 or 3 years old. Trees grown in full sun will adopt a bushier appearance while trees in shade will develop a more open crown, as is the case with most trees. This plant will need watering during drought if planted in full-sun. In the wild this plant forms thick clonal thickets by sending up root suckers that can sprout an impressive distance away from the parent stem, but these suckers can be pruned or easily pulled by hand when young.
Pawpaw flowers develop on the bare branches prior to leaf emergence in spring. These flowers are a deep purple and have the subtle scent of rotting meat, a hint that they are pollinated by flies and beetles. Fruit will develop by late summer (September or October) and can cause mild stomach upset if eaten before they are ripe. Pawpaws are self-infertile and two genetically distinct specimens are required for fruit production. Pawpaw flowers may be gently pollinated by hand (using a small paintbrush) as successful pollination and subsequent fruiting can be inconsistent.
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