Paw Paw Tree - Asimina triloba

The Paw Paw tree is a flowering fruit native tree that grows as an understory tree in temperate deciduous forests. The word pawpaw comes from the Algonquian word papaya, meaning "enlarge," but has also been suggested to from pawpau, a name referring to the plant's resemblance to a monkey's paw.

These are a type of maple tree found in the Eastern United States.They differ from other maple trees because their leaves grow opposite on the branches,rather than alternating, as seen on most maple trees. They also have a completely different-looking leaf structure matters even more confusing.

 Uses of the Pawpaw Tree

Native Americans used the pawpaw as food, drink, and medicine.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 as a treatment for diarrhea in children. Pawpaw trees are the source of a variety of pawpaw medicines. Pawpaw shrub oil is used in 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 Tree cultivation

The pawpaw is easy to grow in well-drained moist soil or preferably in a deep, rich loam. It prefers a slightly acid soil pH of 4.5 to 5.5. It 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. 

The seeds ripen between August and October, and the fruit begins to form around March in warm weather areas and later in cooler regions. The fruits mature from late September to January in cold areas and warmer ones from April to early July. The pawpaw tree is a diploid species with two sets of chromosomes, consisting of one chromosome set (n) and two chromosome sets (2n).

 They are propagated by planting seeds, but this takes several years before the seedlings are ready to be planted. 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.

Asimina triloba in latin for the tree is the native fruit tree you never knew existed and you will get to reap the benefits of growing it with your family’s future generations! Delicious and creamy tropical tasting fruits load these branches, reminiscent of sweet mango and banana flavors.

Plant Details - Paw Paw Tree

Family: Annonaceae

Light Requirement: Partial Shade

Water Needs: Moist yet well drained soil

Height at maturity : 15 – 30 ft.

Spread at maturity: 12 – 15 ft.

Growth Rate: Slow to medium

Bloom Time: Spring

Fruit Time: Summer

Flower Color: Maroon (red-purple)

Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies, birds and other type pollinators

Landscape Uses and Maintenance of  the Paw Paw Tree

The Paw Paw Tree is a deciduous native tree that is native to forests located in Eastern and Southern America. It is an understory tree that has great wildlife value. This plant has deep burgundy, almost purple flowers that hang downwards like bells. It has wide green leaves and fruits.

 Many animals will enjoy the fruits from this tree if you do not harvest in a timely manner, including squirrels and bear. Protect fruits that are nearly ripe with cloth or mesh bags while they are still on the tree.These trees can benefit from shade when they are first planted, so plant in a shady area. It will tolerate partial to full sun as it matures.

Plant it in well draining, fertile soil. Make sure this tree has moist soil, especially in the hot summer months when it may need more watering. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils.You can fertilize them in spring with a balanced nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium fertilizer.

Deer resistant Noteworthy Characteristics

Paw Paw Tree seeds are large, brown, and oblong. They are large – eat around them or spit out the seeds! To propagate the seeds, make sure to give a cold period and then plant to mimic their natural life cycle. This plant is the only host plant to the Zebra Swallowtail caterpillar, making this a truly special tree indeed. Plant it to help increase the population of this butterfly.

You can save your seeds from the fruits to grow your own trees. Here is a helpful link that tells about the increasing demand for this tree. It's a best seller at TN Nursery for a reason. It's a super fruit, full of antioxidents and flavor and is between a banana and peach in flavor.

The pawpaw tree's at TN Nursery is already pollinated in our growing beds and fields. No need to worry about buying multiple trees in order for them to be pollinated. They will product fruits, any tree bought from us.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

Purple

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.

Plant fruit trees in early spring or late fall when the weather is cool. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice the width of the roots and double as deep as the root system. When the tree is put in the hole, make sure the graft union (a noticeable bump where the tree was grafted above the rootstock) is above the soil line. Put dug-out soil around the tree roots, gently firmly remove air pockets, and water thoroughly.
Water young trees regularly, especially during dry spells, to establish a robust root system. Once established, water deeply and less frequently. Prune fruit trees yearly during the dormant season to remove dead or diseased wood, improve air circulation, and shape the tree for optimal fruit production. Fertilize in early spring and thin the fruit when necessary to prevent overbearing, which can stress the tree and reduce fruit quality. 

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We do not accept returned plants. If you purchased an extended warranty we do accept claims, please navigate to the warranty page for instructions HERE