Common Pawpaw Asimina triloba

Pawpaw is a deciduous, native, understory tree in the pawpaw family (Annonaceae). Its common name is probably a modification of the Spanish papaya. It is native to eastern North America, where it grows in deep shade to full sunlight in moist, nutrient-rich forests. It will tolerate occasional wet or moist conditions but prefers good drainage and acidic soil. The species epithet means "three-lobed" and refers to the fruits, which may have one to five lobes, each of which ripens as a separate berry.

In early spring, 6-petaled, purplish-brown flowers mature before the leaves emerge. Flowers have both male and female parts but are self-incompatible. A genetically different pollen donor (a pollinizer) is needed for fruit production. In late summer to early fall, pawpaw produces an edible, sweet, custard-like fruit 2.5 to 6 inches long. Harvesting the fruit can be difficult with competition from hungry wildlife. It is recommended to wear gloves when harvesting as contact dermatitis has been known to occur. The large leaves turn a yellow color in the fall and provide interest.

Pawpaw does well in naturalized, riparian, or woodland areas. It is a flowering tree that attracts butterflies, pollinators, small mammals, and songbirds, which makes pawpaw a good addition to a butterfly, pollinator, or rain garden. Pawpaw is an important food source for Zebra swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus) larvae. Flies and beetles are beneficial pollinators attracted to the fetid odor of flowers. It is an easy-to-grow fruit tree for children's gardens. This plant has a low flammability rating.

Quick ID Hints: 

• Leaves produce a distinctive odor when crushed (similar to green bell peppers).
• Leaves large, alternate and distichous; they turn yellow in fall. 
• Bark is smooth with wart-like lenticels

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. The pawpaw peduncle borer (Talponia plummeriana) is a small moth whose larvae burrow into flower stalks. They can destroy large numbers of flowers. This pest is in NC. The zebra swallowtail butterfly larvae feed on young leaves, but they seldom do permanent damage, nor do they affect fruit yield. Trees can produce root suckers, which can be troublesome in the landscape.

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.