Pawpaw Tree

Asimina triloba Pawpaw is an easy to grow, low maintenance small tree or large shrub grown mainly for its yellowish-green fruits. It can sometimes grow to around 30 feet, but generally is around 15-20 feet tall. Often found along streams, ravines and low bottomed woodlands, the pawpaw tree prefers a medium to wet soil environment. Six petaled purple flowers form on bare branches before the elliptical, slightly drooping leaves appear. Flowers are somewhat insignificant and bloom around April - May.  Oblong, yellowish-green fruits arrive after flowering and will turn a deep brown color as they mature in fall. The fleshy fruits have a banana-like taste. They can be eaten raw, but are often used in pies or ice creams. However, for some, the fruits and skins can cause nausea, stomach pains or skin irritations. Fruits often fall to the ground before fully ripened and need to finish ripening at home. Ripening outdoors is best as the smell can sometimes be overpowering. Raccoons, squirrels an