Latin Name: Asimina triloba
Height: 15 – 20 feet
Spread: 15 – 20 feet
Sunlight: Full Sun; Part Sun; Part Shade
Bloom Time: April to May
Hardiness Zone: 5-8
Description:
The American Paw Paw is a native tree with a tropical feel. Its leaves resemble magnolia leaves. These green leaves change to yellow to yellow green in fall. The dark purple nodding flowers give way to elongated edible fruits, with both flesh and flavor resembling bananas. The custard like fruit can have between one and five lobes, each ripening separately in August to October. Allow the fruit to soften on the tree before picking otherwise they will never ripen; these fruit last for 2-3 days once picked, up to a week if placed in fridge. Wear gloves when handling fruit to avoid contact dermatitis. Eat the fruits raw or make into ice cream, custards, and pies. The American Paw Paw does need a second plant to cross pollinate and produce fruit.
Attracts: Butterflies; Birds; other wildlife high in numbers
Other Names: Common Pawpaw; Indiana Banana; Prairie Banana