Pawpaw - Asimina triloba (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Pawpaw

Also known as: Papaw, Fetid-bush

Pawpaw (*Asimina triloba*) is a small tree native to the eastern United States. Pawpaw is mentioned in many American folk songs, and it is the state fruit of Ohio. Many United States cities are named after the pawpaw.

Scientific classification

Species

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Magnolias, nutmegs, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

11 m to 14 m

Plant Height

4.5 m to 9 m

Spread

Green, Yellow

Leaf Color

3 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Copper, Yellow, Gold

Fruit Color

Purple, Red, Brown

Flower Color

Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Pawpaw

Attributes of Pawpaw

Growth Rate

Given its slow growth rate, pawpaw's development during spring and summer months is subtle yet steady. Its leaves unfurl gradually, and height increase is measured over years, not weeks. The slower rhythm allows pawpaw to save resources, invest in stand longevity, and deliver hearty, distinguishable fruits in due time. Subtle variations in growth speed appear but are aligned with the overall slow progression.

Distribution of Pawpaw

Distribution Map

Pawpaw is a tree native to damp and shady habitats across much of central and eastern North America and it doesn't grow anywhere else in the wild as an introduced species.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woodlands, river valleys, bottomlands

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Pawpaw is a small understory tree. The blooms are deep, dark red and tulip shaped, and the fruit is sweet and edible. You can let it naturalize in native plant gardens or grow it as a woodland margin or shrub border. It also works well in humid areas along streams and ponds. The branches and leaves are unattractive to deer, so pawpaw is worth considering if you have trouble with these garden visitors.

Symbolism

Celebration, enjoying the fruits of your labor

Interesting Facts

Pawpaw are easy to grow from seed, however, it can take seven to eight years for the tree to begin bearing fruit. Most pawpaw trees are grafted onto root stock because all of the seeds in a fruit are genetically different from each other and from the parent tree. Although the fruit is edible, the other parts of the tree contain toxins.

Name Story

Pawpaw: The common name of this species is spelled in various forms such as pawpaw, paw paw, paw-paw, and papaw. It probably derives from the Spanish papaya, an American tropical and sub-tropical fruit Carica papaya. Sometimes it also called "papaw", perhaps because of the huge similarity of their fruits and the fact that both have very large leaves.

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Toxicity

Pawpaw is toxic to dogs, cats, and people. Ingestion of stems, leaves, seeds, or unripe fruits causes abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea in pets. Humans may experience skin irritation upon contact and discomfort if ingested. Foragers are advised to wear gloves and handle the plant with care. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if pets ingest any part of pawpaw.

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Quickly Identify Pawpaw

Distinctive cinnamon-brown stem color with soft pubescent texture, lacking bud scales.

Oblong, pendulous leaves emitting green pepper odor, vibrant green upper surface, pale underside.

Bark transitions from smooth to rugged with scaly ridges, adorned with wart-like lenticels.

Burgundy flowers with foul odor, purplish-brown petals, blooming in spring.

Unique, custard-like fruit with greenish-yellow hue, bluish glaucous coating, nutritional powerhouse.

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Care Guide for Pawpaw

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from temperate woodlands, pawpaw thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers consistent moisture, tolerating brief dry spells. Water every 1-2 weeks, adjusting according to the plant's environment. Grown outdoors, pawpaw benefits from mulching to retain moisture during its active growing season.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, pawpaw requires balanced fertilizers with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply early in the growing season, but reduce frequency as pawpaw matures. Dilute for young plants and cease fertilization in winter. Always water before and after application to prevent root burn.

Pruning: Pawpaw thrives with proper pruning, best done in late winter to enhance structure and remove unhealthy wood. Thinning the canopy promotes airflow and sunlight, leading to healthier growth and increased fruit yield. Avoid heavy pruning during the growing season to prevent stress.

Propagation: Pawpaw is propagated in spring and winter using grafting and layering. This process can be moderately difficult, with indicators of success including new growth and healthy foliage. Proper technique is essential for successful propagation.

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Images of Pawpaw

Attributes of Pawpaw

Distribution of Pawpaw

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Pawpaw

Care Guide for Pawpaw

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