Paw Paw
Pawpaw
Asimina triloba
Plant Details:
Plant type: Tree | Straight native species
Sun: Full sun to shade
Soil moisture: Medium to wet
Mature size: 15–30 ft. tall × 15–30 ft. wide
Bloom time: April–May
Growth rate: Medium
Container size: 3 gallon pot
Estimated size at pickup in feet (if available): 1-2
Great For
• Edible landscape
• Woodland edge or understory
• Naturalized planting
Ecological Benefits
• Flowers are pollinated mainly by flies and beetles. Fruit is eaten by mammals, and the foliage supports specialized caterpillars.
Why We Recommend It
Pawpaw brings a tropical look, edible fruit, and an important butterfly relationship to Indiana landscapes. We recommend it for woodland edges, edible gardens, and naturalized areas where the young tree can receive some protection from intense sun. Its foliage is the exclusive caterpillar food for the Zebra Swallowtail, and its large fruits are enjoyed by people and wildlife. Plant at least two genetically different trees for pollination, and expect the best fruiting once mature plants receive more sunlight.
Good to Know
• Produces the largest edible fruit native to North America
• Tropical-looking foliage
• Valuable small tree for edible and wildlife landscapes
Care/behavior information: Plant at least two genetically different trees for reliable fruit set. Remove suckers if a single specimen is preferred.
Warning or placement concerns (if applicable): Young plants may benefit from some shade, while mature trees fruit best in sun. Plants are not self-fertile, and handling fruit or foliage may irritate sensitive people.
Notable wildlife detail (if applicable): The exclusive larval host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly.
Deer resistant (if applicable):
Rabbit resistant (if applicable):
Special tolerances: Shade tolerant; seasonal wetness
Fall 2026 Plant Pickup
This is a preorder item and will not be available until our fall pickup event. Plants are not shipped.
Pickup Dates
Thursday, October 1, 2026 |11:00 AM–6:00 PM in Noblesville, IN
Friday, October 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM in Noblesville, IN
Pickup Location
Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Noblesville, Indiana. More info will be shared via email as the pick-up dates approach.
Please plan to pick up your order during one of these scheduled times. Plants are living material and cannot be held beyond the pickup event unless prior arrangements have been made.
Plant Guarantee
We guarantee that you will receive a healthy plant at pickup. Because survival depends on planting methods, weather, site conditions, and ongoing care, we cannot offer refunds or guarantees after pickup. Height estimates are approximate and not guaranteed. Remember that you're investing in a healthy root system—the foundation of long-term success—not simply above-ground height.
Photos courtesy of Arbor Day Foundation and/or Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder.