Asimina triloba
,
Deciduous
Origin:
Eastern US, southeast Nebraska
Pawpaw is a forest understory tree native to much of the eastern US, reaching its western limit in the oak-hickory forests of southeast
Nebraska. It is best known for its large, edible, yellow-green fruits with custard-like pulp. It’s occasionally used as a landscape tree
in southeast Nebraska.
Where To Grow
Prefers moist, organic well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Pawpaw is shade tolerant and would prefer some afternoon shade from
other trees or perhaps the shade of a building. Spreads by root suckers to form colonies, so give it room to spread.
Suitable to plant east of the 100th meridian, but thrives in the southeast.
Wildlife Benefits
Wildlife (e.g., raccoons, squirrels and opossums) eagerly seek out the fruits and often beat humans to the harvest.
Utilization
Pawpaw Cookies with Black Walnuts
3/4 c. pureed pawpaw pulp
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. black walnuts
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease one large cookie sheet. Peel and seed fresh pawpaws and process in a food processor until fine. Sift
together the flour and baking powder, and set aside. Cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg. Add the flour mixture and then add the
pawpaw pulp. Chop half the nuts (reserve 16 pieces) and blend them in. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet and press a
piece of black walnut onto the top of each cookie. Bake 12 minutes or until brown across the top. Makes about 16 cookies.
Additional Considerations
Pawpaw can be grown in full sun but prefers afternoon shade. It will form a colony/thicket over time with individual trunks lasting from
5 to 10 years or so. It has no serious insect or disease problems but needs consistent moisture.
Interesting Facts
The pulp of the fruit is somewhat like a banana which gives rise to common names like the Indiana banana. The fruits are eaten raw or can
be used in ice creams, pies or baked goods. The fruits spoil quickly after ripening and they can cause intestinal distress when consumed
too early or too late. Early Americans made a yellow dye from the pulp of the ripened fruit. The common name likely derives from the
Spanish papaya for its similar leaves and fruits. The genus name Asimina is adapted from the Native American
name “assimin”. The species name triloba refers to the flowers' three-lobed petals that resemble a tricorne
hat. The larvae of the zebra swallowtail butterflies feed on pawpaw leaves, chemicals of which confer protection to them throughout their
lives.
Additional Images
