Asimina triloba | Paw Paw

The Paw Paw is an understory tree which typically grows 15-20′ tall. Large, slightly drooping, elliptical, medium green leaves (6-12″ long) retain green color well into fall before turning to a bright yellow. Cup-shaped, purple flowers (3 green sepals and 6 purple petals in two tiers) appear in spring, and give way to edible, oblong, yellowish green fruits which mature in early autumn to a dark brown.  This tree is generally grown in pairs for pollination.  Pawpaw is an important food source for Zebra swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus) larvae.

For more information visit the North Carolina Extension Plant Toolbox

Photo Credit: John David Tobe | CC BY-NC 4.0