The Pawpaw tree is a flowering fruit tree native to the Eastern United States and Canada. It usually grows as an understory tree in temperate deciduous forests. The word comes from the Algonquian word papaya, meaning "enlarge," but it has also been suggested that it comes from pawpau, a name referring to the plant's resemblance to a monkey's paw.
At TN Nursery, our paw paw trees come pre-pollinated. We grow them in production greenhouses, and we guarantee your trees will bear fruit once they mature. Don't worry about figuring it out; that's what we are here for.
Uses of Pawpaw Trees In Your Yard
Native Americans used the fruits from this tree as food, drink, and for curing ailments. The fruit was eaten raw, and the juice was used to flavor foods and make a simple syrup. The fruit was also fermented into an alcoholic beverage. Today, the fermented fruit is popular in many parts of the United States and Canada as a soft drink known as "Paw Paw wine."
The seeds have been used to treat diarrhea in children. These trees are the source of a variety of pawpaw medicines. This shrub oil is used for arthritis and relieves joint pain, and the root bark is a source of an estrogen-like compound that may have contraceptive effects. Its leaves contain high omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, B, C, and D. The American Indians used this tree to treat skin and respiratory problems, rashes, heartburn, sore throats, and earaches.
Pawpaw Cultivation
The pawpaw is easy to grow in well-drained, moist soil or preferably in a deep, rich loam. It thrives in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5 and can grow in full sun or partial shade, though it thrives in the dappled shade (light shade with some sunlight). It can also be grown as a container tree. Pawpaw trees are propagated from seed or by grafting onto dwarfing rootstocks.
About the pawpaw Seeds
The seeds ripen between August and October, and the fruit forms around March in warm weather areas and later in cooler regions. The fruits mature from late September to January in cold and warmer areas from April to early July. The pawpaw tree is a diploid species with two sets of chromosomes: one chromosome set (n) and two chromosome sets (2n).
Pawpaw trees are propagated by planting seeds, but this takes several years before the seedlings can be grown. The trees are hardy to zones 4-10 and do well in the coastal plain. Seeds germinate best where the soil temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended that the seeds be sown at intervals of 2-3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pawpaw Trees
What is a pawpaw tree?
The pawpaw tree, Latin for Asimina triloba, is a native North American fruit tree known for having large, tropical-looking leaves and posesses custard-like fruit that tastes like a mix of banana and mango.
What zones do pawpaw trees grow in?
Pawpaw trees do well in zones 5-9. They prefer temperate regions with colder winters and hotter summers to produce fruit to their fullest potential. Our pawpaws grow in the Tennessee region, and that climate is perfect for them.
Do you need more than one pawpaw tree for fruit?
Yes, but our trees are pre-pollinated. Pawpaw trees require cross-pollination from a different genetic tree to set fruit. You don't need to plant two or more trees; our trees are greenhouse-grown, and this is usually done for you.
How long does it take for a pawpaw tree to bear fruit?
Depending on growing conditions and care, they will start producing in 4 to 6 years after planting.
Rich, moist, well-drained soil is in full sun to partial shade. Young trees benefit from some shade during the first couple of years
How do you care for pawpaw trees?
They thrive in moist soil. Mulch around the base to retain water and protect young trees from harsh sunlight. Pruning is rarely needed beyond removing dead or crossing branches. This is a high demand, super low maintenance native tree that givs back.
What You'll Receive
This Is How Your Plants Will Look Upon Delivery
Bloom Season
Spring
Height at Maturity
Under 25 Feet
Care
Pawpaw trees thrive in well-drained, rich soil. Water regularly, particularly during dry periods, and mulch to retain moisture. Prune in late winter to shape and release any dead wood. Protect from pests and diseases to ensure healthy fruit development.
Plant Reproduction
Paw Paw Tree spreads through root suckers and seed dispersal.
How To Grow & Care Tips
How to Grow and Care for Fruit Trees
Fruit trees are a rewarding addition to any landscape, offering fragrant blossoms in spring and fresh, homegrown harvests in summer or fall. Popular varieties like apple, peach, pear, and plum thrive in full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Choose trees suited to your USDA zone, and plant in early spring or fall for the best root development.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough so the root flare sits just above the soil line. Backfill with native soil, water deeply, and apply mulch around the base—keeping it a few inches from the trunk—to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly during the first growing season, especially during dry spells.
Prune annually to shape the tree, improve air circulation, and boost fruit production. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced or fruit-specific fertilizer. With proper planting, seasonal care, and a little patience, fruit trees will reward you with beauty, shade, and bountiful harvests year after year.
Shipping & Returns
Our products are manufactured both locally and globally. We carefully select our manufacturing partners to ensure our products are high quality and a fair value.
Pawpaw Trees from TN Nursery – Strong, Healthy, and Affordable
I couldn’t be happier with my Pawpaw trees from TN Nursery. They were shipped securely, arrived in excellent condition, and transplanted easily. The trees are growing vigorously, and I’m looking forward to years of fruit harvests. TN Nursery offers fantastic value and quality, making them my top choice for fruit trees.
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Emily Parker, New York
Native Pawpaw Trees from TN Nursery – Highly Recommend
I’ve been searching for native Pawpaw trees, and TN Nursery delivered exactly what I needed. The trees arrived fresh and healthy, with strong roots and green growth. After planting, they adapted quickly and are flourishing in my backyard. I look forward to enjoying their tropical-tasting fruit. TN Nursery is now my trusted source for native trees and plants.
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Kevin Foster, Indiana
Excellent Pawpaw Trees – Thank You TN Nursery!
TN Nursery delivered beautiful Pawpaw trees that were clearly grown with care. The trees were shipped on time, arrived healthy, and transplanted easily into my orchard. Their root systems were strong, and they showed immediate signs of growth after planting. I couldn’t be more pleased with the quality. I highly recommend TN Nursery for Pawpaw trees.
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Laura Simmons, Illinois
Thrilled with My Pawpaw Trees from TN Nursery
My Pawpaw trees from TN Nursery arrived in perfect condition. The trees were fresh, well-hydrated, and packaged with care. After planting them, they quickly adjusted and are now producing healthy leaves. I’m excited for the delicious fruit they will bear in the coming years. TN Nursery is definitely the best place to buy Pawpaw trees online.
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Brian Matthews, North Carolina
TN Nursery Pawpaw Trees – Excellent Quality and Growth
The Pawpaw trees I received from TN Nursery exceeded my expectations. They were well-packed, had strong roots, and showed no signs of stress. Within weeks of planting, I noticed vigorous growth. These native fruit trees are perfect for creating a sustainable, edible garden. I highly recommend TN Nursery for anyone wanting high-quality Pawpaw trees.
Each box contains detailed care instructions and information about your product. But here's the basics.
Care Tips
Pawpaw trees thrive in well-drained, rich soil. Water regularly, particularly during dry periods, and mulch to retain moisture. Prune in late winter to shape and release any dead wood. Protect from pests and diseases to ensure healthy fruit development.
Light Requirements
Pawpaw trees flourish in complete sun to partial shade. Ideally, they should receive 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but they can also grow well in dappled shade, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.
