Pawpaw Tree - Asimina Triloba

The native American Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), also known as the pawpaw or Indiana banana tree, is the sole member of the tropical plant family, Annonaceae, that can tolerate freezing temperatures to -20 ° F and still produce loads of tropical fruit! The pawpaw is a true "plant once, enjoy for decades" species and a versatile American native tree.

This attractive and hardy understory tree can tolerate many conditions, including sun to shade, but will produce the most fruit in full sun and is easy to grow. Pawpaws are beloved for their large, tropical leaves, deep red/wine, velvety flowers in early spring, dazzling yellow fall color, and delicious fruits that ripen in early fall and taste like a cross between a banana and mango. Pawpaws produce fruit in 3-6 years on average, and especially once they reach a height of 6’ tall.

Pawpaw Fruits

Once the tree reaches maturity, the fruit can be so abundant that the smell of sweet mango can be sensed within the tree’s vicinity! And even plants in shade will produce an impressive crop once mature! The pawpaw’s fruit has a custard-like texture, excellent raw or for baking sweet treats. In addition, the fruits are highly nutritious- rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

The beauty and edible delights of the American pawpaw are only the tipping point of this incredible tree! In addition, the pawpaw is the exclusive plant host to the American zebra swallowtail butterfly. Planting several pawpaws in your yard will certainly attract the beautiful white-and-black-striped butterflies to your property, helping support biodiversity and inspiring aesthetic beauty in the presence of these lovely creatures of flight! In addition to the zebra swallowtail, the American pawpaw helps provide nourishment to other wildlife, including wild turkeys and various songbirds.

Planting Pawpaw Trees

One final planting consideration is that the pawpaw prefers to be planted with a few “friends”. Pawpaws must be cross-pollinated to produce fruit successfully. A grove of three or more trees makes a striking statement in a sustainable edible landscape- offering four-season beauty, an abundant food source, and valuable wildlife habitat.

Great things often begin small, and an American Pawpaw seedling is no exception.

Few native trees offer as many long-term benefits as the American Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), also known as the custard apple or Indiana banana for its mango- and banana-flavored fruit.

When people think of the American pawpaw, they first think of the abundant tropical fruit weighing down the branches of a mature pawpaw tree, but in truth, these fruits are only one small part of what the pawpaw has to offer!

American pawpaw seedlings are a popular choice for landowners, park managers, restoration professionals, farmers, and food forest enthusiasts looking to establish native woodland habitat.

Pawpaw’s adaptability, wildlife value, and ability to form natural colonies make them ideal for reforestation projects, conservation plantings, and ecological restoration. By planting pawpaw seedlings today, you're helping create a healthier, more diverse landscape that will continue to benefit wildlife and future generations for decades.

Whether you're restoring woodland habitat, establishing a perennial food source, attracting native birds and pollinators, planting a future orchard, or simply enhancing your land with a beautiful, four-season interest tree, pawpaw seedlings provide an affordable way to create something that will continue to grow in value for decades. Enthusiastic gardeners and landowners alike will be rewarded with a cold-hardy grove of lush tropical-looking foliage, ecological benefits, and ultimately one of North America's largest native fruits to enjoy for years to come.

When you plant a stand of American pawpaws, it’s about more than planting a collection of beautiful and hardy trees, but about building something bigger than yourself.

You're not simply planting pawpaw trees; you’re creating a diverse and resilient legacy for the next generation.

Benefits of Pawpaw Trees

Native to the U.S., supporting biodiversity
Produces fruit high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Excellent choice for backyard orchards, permaculture projects, and homesteads

What You'll Receive

When you order from Tennessee Wholesale Nursery, you'll receive a strong, healthy tree ready to establish and thrive in your garden or orchard.

Add this Tree (Asimina triloba) to your landscape today and enjoy years of delicious, homegrown fruit straight from your own yard!

The tree is a really unique small tree! It’s native to North America and found all over the United States. It’s typically an understory tree. This tree produces the largest edible fruit in North America, which is sometimes called the custard apple. The fruit can grow several inches long. If you want a consistent harvest, you should use grafted trees because they are genetically identical to the parent. The Paw Paw thrives even on drier upland sites, which is surprising. The American Paw Paw Tree is fantastic for adding native fruit to your garden.