Pawpaw

  Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a small, native understory tree valued for its unique, tropical-flavored fruit and ornamental appeal. Typically growing 15–30 feet tall, it features large, drooping leaves and produces greenish-purple spring flowers followed by oblong fruits with creamy, custard-like flesh. Pawpaw grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil with protection from strong winds; young trees prefer partial shade while mature trees tolerate full sun. For good fruit production, two genetically different trees are recommended for cross-pollination. Pawpaw is cold hardy in USDA Zones 5–8, making it well suited for much of the eastern and central United States.