Pawpaw Common Name: Pawpaw Botanical Name: Asimina triloba Pawpaw leaf Plant family: Annonaceae Location: Tulip Tree Trail Growing zone: 4-9 Height: 8-25 ft. Spread: 6-10 ft. Bloom time: March, April, May Bloom description: The deep reddish-brown flowers are composed of three large petals on the outside and three smaller petals that curl up on the inside. Flowers appear before leaves emerge. Leaf type: Dark-green, tropical-like foliage can grow up to one foot in length. They are obovate with no serrations. Golden-foliage in late fall. Garden uses: Pawpaw has many uses in a home garden. It can be used as a fruit crop for your yard or even as a way to naturalize a bank that has moist, well-drained soil, as they can colonize an area when conditions are favorable. They have a great form when given room and an even better bloom to show off to your gardener friends. Wildlife benefits: Pawpaw leaves serve as host to the beautiful zebra swallowtail and pawpaw sphinx moth. The fruit is eaten by larger mammals (raccoons, squirrels, and opossums) and are also sought after for human consumption.
