Asimina triloba, pawpaw, large tropical-looking leaves on a native fruit tree
Asimina triloba, pawpaw, large tropical-looking leaves on a native fruit tree
Pollinator Edible Native

Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

$23.00
1 Gallon USDA Zones 5–9 Full Sun and Part Shade Matures 15–20 Feet

Asimina triloba, the pawpaw, ripens the largest edible fruit native to North America, a custardy banana-mango treat on a tropical-looking native tree.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

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Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.
The Full Story

The pawpaw is a small, tropical-looking deciduous tree with large, drooping leaves and the largest edible fruit native to this country. In mid to late summer the green, mango-shaped fruit softens to a fragrant custard, banana and mango in one, around rows of big dark seeds, relished by people and raccoons alike. The crushed leaves carry a distinctive odor, and the whole tree reads more like the tropics than a temperate woodland.

Asimina triloba sends up many root suckers and forms colonies, the natural way of the species, and prefers deep, rich soil and dependable moisture. Pawpaw is self-sterile, so plant more than one, ideally unrelated seedlings, for cross-pollination and a good fruit set. Some nurseries offer named varieties selected for larger or sweeter fruit. Native to the eastern United States.

Give pawpaw a sheltered, fertile spot in sun to part shade, with young trees appreciating some shade and mature ones fruiting best in sun. The tree anchors an edible landscape, a woodland edge, or a naturalized planting, and serves as the sole host of the zebra swallowtail butterfly. The soft gold fall color is a quiet bonus.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–9
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Moist, Well-drained
Mature size
Height 15–20 Feet · Spread 8–15 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Deciduous
Design Notes

A tropical-looking native for an edible landscape, a woodland edge, or a naturalized planting, where the big drooping leaves and late-summer custard fruit earn their place. Plant two or more unrelated pawpaws for cross-pollination, give deep rich soil and steady moisture, and expect a suckering colony over time. The sole host of the zebra swallowtail butterfly, with soft gold fall color.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Lurid purple, nodding, bell-shaped, spring

Flowers
Curious, and easy to overlook for what they will become. Nodding cups of six petals in maroon to dark purple, an inch or two across, hanging from the bare branches in early to mid spring before the leaves. The scent, faint and a little fermented, is pitched at the flies and beetles that pollinate them rather than at you. They set fruit shyly and usually want a second, unrelated tree nearby to manage it.

Fruit
The largest edible fruit native to this country, ripening from late summer into early fall. Green and unpromising until they soften, then filling with a pale custard pulp that tastes of banana and mango around a row of big dark seeds. Wildlife find them the moment they are ready, so you will be in a quiet race for the harvest.

Foliage
Large, drooping, faintly tropical leaves that turn a clear soft gold in autumn and give off a distinctive smell when crushed, which not everyone loves.

Habit
Left alone they sucker from the root into a small patch or thicket, the natural way of a pawpaw, and the surest route to the cross-pollination they prefer.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Full sun to part shade; shade young trees, give mature trees sun for the best fruit.

Soil. Deep, rich, moist but well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral.

Water. Keep consistently moist, especially the first years; somewhat drought tolerant once established.

Pruning. Minimal; remove dead or damaged wood in late winter, and thin or remove root suckers to control the colony.

Hardiness. USDA zones 5 to 9; plant two or more unrelated trees for fruit set.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.