Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
*we grow these in larger "treepots" to facilitate their need for a larger root system*
Our very own Native Americans knew about the various attributes of the tropical looking pawpaw, and most likely increased their distribution to what it is today. Although not very well known today, except among a growing group of followers, the pawpaw deserves more respect than it gets. Let’s start with the flavor of its fruit, which can be described as an intense banana pudding with a hint of mango flavor. The fruit flavor comes as a surprise considering the leaves smell of bell pepper or diesel fuel when crushed, which keeps the foliage relatively pest free. Even if these fruits didn’t taste like a dream, the health benefits far outweigh the flavor experience. Pawpaw is extremely high in Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, amino acids, and several vitamins. It is also being studied intensively for its already proven anti-cancer and insecticidal qualities.
We collect our fruit from wild and cultivated sources every year in late August, just before they ripen and fall to the ground when hungry deer, coons, possums, hogs, and you-name-it are waiting to steal our crop. Many of our fruits are quite large (up to 4 or 5” in length) and contain fewer seeds, which is a good thing considering pawpaw's seem to inherit traits from their parents more often than not.
Pawpaw's prefer your best soil with good drainage and protection from wind, so try and be picky when choosing a site for planting. A good starting point would be about twenty feet away from a treeline in a bottom field. Cedars or other fruit trees make an excellent windbreak, just be sure and plant your paw paws at least twenty feet from your break to deter its roots from robbing the soil moisture. A good spacing would be ten foot by at least ten foot. Don’t forget to consider prevailing winds when choosing a site.
| Zone: | 6 - 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.2 - 7.2 |
| Mature Height: | 25' |
| Wildlife Value: | Fruit eaten by deer, raccoon, fox, opossum, and most songbirds. |
| Site Preference: | Likes deep, moist, soils usually along streams or rivers. |
| Fruit: | Produces fruit similar to banana with a good taste. Also believed to contain anti-carcinogens |
| Alias: | False Banana |
Customer Reviews
I am very, very pleased with the beautiful Pawpaw tree I ordered from Nativ Nurseries. My tree arrived securely packaged in a box. The tree sent was 47 inches tall! And that is not counting the root pot. I have ordered Pawpaw trees from other sellers including big name nurseries and never received such a nice plant. It was fully leafed out and just beautiful. I will be ordering more! Thank you Nativ nurseries for giving your customers more than they expect!!!
LOVE....The trees come in healthy, beautiful and big. They still look great. The employees are awesome, very friendly. I will be buying from here again.
We have wanted pawpaws for a long time but the stars never aligned; we have been disappointed by other sources more than once. I have kept my eye on Nativ's website for a while; pawpaws always sell fast and we missed them a couple of years, but this year we finally caught them in stock. The shipping method could not have been better and they arrived in excellent condition.
We kept them temporarily potted per the included instructions and then planted them in a likely spot on our family farm. So far, they are doing great and we couldn't be more pleased. One of the three got a little stressed in our summer drought but we got it some water and it seems to be bouncing back well. My only regret is not buying more...I was afraid of another pawpaw disappointment but Nativ has trees figured out. Can't wait for them to grow and make my wife some fake bananas.
I ordered two pawpaw trees and scheduled shipping for mid August. Unfortunately, we were in a heat wave and the delivery driver left the boxes sitting in the sun. Thank goodness Nativ Nurseries packed the trees very well and I was able to revive them with a good misting and watering. These are strong looking, saplings with healthy leaves. They were packed with excellent care directions. They're now doing well, resting and soaking up hydration in a shady spot of my yard and waiting to be transplanted in early fall.
Trees look great.
Aug. delivery, not October