Asimina triloba/Pawpaw

Late winter or very early spring flower
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Scientific Name:	Asimina triloba
Common Name:	Pawpaw
Plant Type:	Deciduous
Hardiness Zone:	5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Determine Your Zone
Height:	15-20 feet
Spread:	10 - 15 feet
Bloom time:	Spring
Flower color:	Purple
Fruit present:	Summer, Fall
Fruit color:	Yellow
Light Exposure:	Sun, Part Sun
Drainage:	Well drained, Moist
Rate of Growth:	Slow
Water Requirement:	Medium
Maintenance Level:	Low
Susceptible to insects and diseases:	No

Comments:	Pawpaws require shade until they are about two fee tall, after which they can be grown in shady locations or in sun. Edible fruit has a banana texture, thought it tastes more like papaya or mango than banana. Birds and other wildlife readily eat it. Leaves are a major food source for zebra swallowtail butterflies. A native reported to produce the largest edible fruit of any native tree in the U.S. A superb understory tree for tall woodland trees. Fruiting is best if trees receive several hours of sunlight daily. Although a native, seldom abundant. The large somewhat droopy leaves make pawpaw trees rather conspicuous in a woodland setting. Small trees grow from the stolons of larger, mature trees. Not easily transplanted from native stands. There are several special cultivars available for improved fruiting qualities. It is a deer resistant species.