How to identify Small-flower pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

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How to identify Small-flower pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

Small-flower pawpaw is a diminutive, deciduous shrub growing to a modest height of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters). This species is characterized by young shoots and foliage that carry a distinctive rusty down, maturing into smoother textures as they age. Noticeable before the leaves fully unfurl are its unique small brownish-purple flowers, each presenting six petals and forming solitarily at leaf axils. Although compact, small-flower pawpaw yields edible fruit that is notably smaller than its relatives'. The leaves are the singular food source for the larvae of the zebra swallowtail butterfly.

Lifespan: Perennial

Quickly Identify Small-flower pawpaw

Distinctive rusty down on young shoots and foliage, maturing into smoother textures.

Small brownish-purple flowers with six petals, forming solitarily at leaf axils.

Fruit transitions from yellow-green to dark brown, wrinkling upon full ripeness.

Obovate to oblanceolate dark green leaves, with slightly revolute margins.

Orange-brown to red-brown stems, maturing to solid brown, slightly glossy finish.

Detailed Traits of Small-flower pawpaw

Leaf Features

The leaves of small-flower pawpaw are dark green and measure 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) long. They are obovate to oblanceolate in shape, with a narrowly to broadly cuneate base. Margins of the leaves are barely revolute, while the apex ranges from acute to acuminate. Young leaves are covered with rusty down, maturing to become mostly glabrous, retaining some hairs along the veins. The leaves also emit a faintly fetid odor.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of small-flower pawpaw are small, measuring about 3/4 inch (1.9 cm), and have a distinctive brownish-purple hue. These fleshy, bell-shaped blooms each feature six petals, arranged singly in the leaf axils. The flowers emerge before the leaves and may emit a mildly unpleasant odor. Blooming occurs from April to May, presenting a unique and identifiable characteristic for this plant.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of small-flower pawpaw is characterized by its orange-brown to red-brown color when young, maturing to a solid brown. The texture of the stem is smooth to slightly ridged, with a medium thickness typically around 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. Branching occurs in a somewhat irregular pattern, contributing to the shrub's bushy appearance. Distinctively, the stems often have a slightly glossy finish, making them noticeable in a natural setting.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of small-flower pawpaw is a distinctive, elongated berry that exhibits a cylindrical shape approximately 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) in length. Initially presenting a yellow-green hue, these fruits transition to a dark brown tone upon maturation. The outer skin is smooth before ripening and tends to wrinkle when fully ripe, occurring from July to September. The interior of the fruit contains several large, dark brown seeds. This transformation in color and texture is a key identifying feature during the later stages of the fruit's development.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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