Meadowside Nature Center – All About Pawpaws

Scientifically called, Asimina triloba, but locally known as the Papaw tree, is a small deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and Canada. In the fall, the trees produce large, yellowish-green to brown fruit, about the size of a mango and smaller. It belongs to the genus Asimina in the same plant family as the custard-apple, cherimoya, sweetsop, ylang-ylang, and soursop. Watch the video, How to Choose a Pawpaw Tree, as a Montgomery Parks Arborist tells us more about the different cultivars, or types of Pawpaw trees.

The Pawpaw is a patch-forming (clonal), understory tree. Despite being a small tree, unlikely to ever grow into the forest canopy, Pawpaw is a frequently observed sapling at Meadowside Nature Center. With leaves and branches that deer avoid, and fruit that is loved by all, which ripens in September and October.

To pollinate a Pawpaw tree, it must receive pollen from another tree. This might seem like a simple process since most Pawpaw grow in “patches”. But Pawpaw trees that grow in patches often share genetic similarities, almost like being “siblings” in the same family. The tree must receive pollen from a different tree that is located much farther away. Some pollinators of the Pawpaw tree include flies and beetles which are attracted the small, deep purple/red flowers that have a faint smell of rotted meat! Watch the video, Natural History of the Pawpaw, to learn more.

Pawpaw fruits are the largest edible fruit indigenous to the United States. Pawpaw fruits have a sweet, custard like flavor somewhat similar to a banana and mango mixed together and are commonly eaten raw. However, you can use Pawpaw fruit in any baking recipe that calls for bananas by simply using them as a banana substitute.

We asked Montgomery Parks Naturalists to try several varieties of Pawpaw fruits and we captured their reactions on video. Watch, How Do Different Pawpaw Varieties Taste, to see if they loved them or not.

Pawpaw trees grow best in slightly acidic (pH 5.5-7.0), deep, fertile, and well-drained soils. Good drainage is essential to success. Pawpaw trees will grow in heavy soils but will not survive water-logged conditions. The tree is small, seldom taller than 25 feet (7.5 meters) and grows best in full sun. Extra care should be given to trees for the first two years to promote growth as the root system establishes itself. Keep the plants well watered and partially shaded for the first year or two. Thereafter, growth accelerates and trees require little care. Fruit production normally begins when the trees reaches 6 feet (2 meters), usually after five to seven years.

1. Space your trees 8-15 feet apart, depending on variety.
2. Dig the hole as deep, and twice as wide as the pot so the roots have plenty of room. If the hole is too deep, add topsoil to the bottom of the hole and compact it firmly so the root ball doesn’t sink as the soil settles. The trunk flare should be even, or a little above ground level.
3. Remove the tree from the flowerpot and place the roots in the hole.
4. Fill the hole, putting the topsoil back in first. You can avoid creating air pockets by working the soil carefully around the roots and tamping down firmly.
5. Create a rim of soil around the planting hole 2 inches above ground level. This allows water to stand and soak in. In the fall, spread soil evenly around tree to prevent damage from water freezing around the plant.

Meadowside Nature Center hosts an annual fall Pawpaw festival. The event honors this delightful native fruit with music, crafts, games, and expert advice on Pawpaw cultivation. Check back here in the fall for information about our the Pawpaw Festival and be sure to register at ActiveMONTGOMERY .

Meadowside Nature Center hosts an annual fall Pawpaw festival. The event honors this delightful native fruit with music, crafts, games, and expert advice on Pawpaw cultivation. Check back here in the fall for information about our the Pawpaw Festival and be sure to register at ActiveMONTGOMERY .