Pawpaw Trees: Exotic Flavor, Native Roots & Outstanding Landscape Value
Pawpaw trees are one of North America's best-kept botanical secrets-a native fruit tree producing creamy, tropical-flavored fruit despite thriving in temperate climates. With their large leaves, lush growth habit, and deliciously fragrant fruit, pawpaws bring both beauty and productivity to home gardens. TN Nursery has been a leading grower of pawpaw trees since 1959, supplying healthy, field-grown stock to homeowners, conservation projects, and national landmarks including Arlington National Cemetery and the Washington Monument. Our pawpaw trees have also been featured on The Discovery Channel and The History Channel, further highlighting the horticultural authority behind our native plant collection.
Why Pawpaw Trees Are Becoming a Must-Have Native Fruit
Pawpaws are a prized crop due to their low maintenance requirements, high yield potential, and superior fruit quality. The fruit flavor is unique, having been described as a combination of banana, mango, and vanilla. Pawpaws are among the most desirable of America's native fruits. The large, tropical-looking leaves are an ornamental asset in the temperate landscape. Their extensive, deep root system allows pawpaws to tolerate a variety of soil types and they will thrive in both partial shade and full sun. For these reasons, they are a fine choice for edible gardens, woodland gardens or edges, food forests, and other naturalized areas.
TN Nursery's Expertise in Supplying Strong, Healthy Pawpaws
At TN Nursery, every pawpaw is grown outdoors in natural soil-not greenhouse conditions-ensuring strong, resilient root systems. We ship pawpaw trees in dormant bare-root form, which supports quick establishment and vigorous early growth. With more than six decades of hands-on experience growing pawpaw trees from seed, TN Nursery offers customers the most authentic and reliable native pawpaws available. Our grower-direct approach ensures freshness, health, and long-term performance.
The Advantages of Incorporating Pawpaw Trees into Landscapes
Pawpaw is a wonderful native, eco-friendly and productive landscape tree. Pawpaws are pest and disease resistant once established and can take moderate drought. They are important for wildlife as the host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly, provide attractive golden yellow fall color, and fit nicely into the edible landscape. Enjoy a tree that is beautiful, sustainable and tasty!
Frequently Asked Questions about Pawpaw Trees
Do you need two pawpaw trees for pollination?
Yes. Pawpaws require cross-pollination between two genetically different trees to produce fruit, Ours are grown from seed, so they are all genetically different. Planting two ensures consistent yields.
Are pawpaw trees difficult to grow?
No. Pawpaws are easy to care for once they are established and grow well in both shade and sun.
What soil do pawpaw trees prefer?
They thrive in rich, well-drained soil but are adaptable to clay, loam, and sandy soils commonly found in native woodlands.
How long until pawpaw trees produce fruit?
Pawpaws typically begin producing in 3-4 years when planted from healthy bare-root trees like those grown at TN Nursery.
Do pawpaw trees attract wildlife?
Yes. Pawpaws provide fruit for mammals and serve as the host plant for Zebra Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars.