Pawpaw

(Asimina triloba)

Interesting Information About Plant: 

Pawpaw is a plant that is on the rise in this part of the country.  Their twigs are a source of annonaceous acetogenins which are being used to develop anti-cancer drugs (Purdue University) and botanical pesticides. In addition to that, there is also a movement to begin to grow more Pawpaw commercially.  Many of the Kentucky farmers who have been hurt economically by lack of tobacco selling are being encouraged and educated in how to grow Pawpaw.  The Pawpaw is being heavily studied right now at Kentucky State University in order to develop methods of colonial propagation, orchard management, and fruit storage techniques.  Right now it is mainly eaten as a fresh fruit and processed in desserts.

     The Pawpaw also has the title of being the only member of the tropical Annonaceous family in the United States.  In addition to that it is also the largest fruit tree native to the United States.  It grows in a large area across North America going as far south as northern Florida, as far north as southern Ontario, and as far west as Nebraska.

Common Name: Pawpaw/Papaw Other Common names include: American Custard Apple, West Virginia Banana, and Indiana Banana

Scientific Name: Asimina triloba 

Family Name (Scientific and Common): Annonaceous (Custard Apple Family)  

Continent of Origin: North America

Most Distinguishing Morphological Features of This Plant:  In the wild, the Pawpaw always grows in patches.  This is because other Pawpaw trees grow from the root shoots producing clones (root suckering) of the original tree in the surrounding area.  If exposed to enough sunlight they will grow in a pyramidal shape.  Also produces an oblong berry that can grow up to 15 cm long and 15 cm wide.

Plant Growth Habit:     Small Tree

Height at Maturity:   More than 10 Feet

Life Span:    Annual (herbaceous)

Seasonal Habit: Herbaceous That Dies back in winter     

Growth Habitat:  Partial Sun

Manner of Culture:  Garden (food)    Native Species 

Thorns on Younger Stem:  No

Cross Section of Younger Stem: Roundish   

Stem (or Trunk) Diameter: Between the Diameter of a Broom-Handle and a Coffee-Mug    

Produces Brownish Bark: No

Bark Peeling in Many Areas:  No

Characteristics of Mature (Brownish) Bark: Lines Go Up-Down  

Type of Leaf:  Flat, Thin Leaf  

Length of Leaf (or Leaflet): Longer Than a Writing Pen

Leaf Complexity: Simple 

Shape of Leaf: Simple

Edge of Leaf: Smooth

Leaf Arrangement:  Alternate

Leaf has Petiole?  Yes

Patterns of Main-Veins: Pinnate   

Leaf Hairiness: No Hairs

Color of Foliage in summer: Green 

Change in Color of Foliage in October: Changes to Yellow

Flowering Season:  Spring 

Flowers:  in Loose Group   

Type of Flower: Colorful Flower

Color of Flower: Maroon

Shape of Individual Flower: Bilaterally Symmetrical

Size of Individual Flower:  Between a Quarter and the Length of a Credit Card  

Sexuality:   Male and Female on separate plants

Size of Fruit: Larger than the Length of a Credit Card

Fruit Fleshiness at Maturity: Fleshy  

Shape of Fruit: Oblong-Oval   

Color of Fruit at Maturity: Green (But firmness is a better indicator than color.  Feels like a ripe peach when mature) 

Fruit Desirable to Birds or Squirrels: Yes   

Unique Morphological Features of Plant: In the wild, the Pawpaw always grows in patches.  This is because other Pawpaw trees grow from the root shoots producing clones of the original tree in the surrounding area.

Is the Plant Poisonous: Part of Plant (If seeds chewed, can cause digestive problems in mammals, but if swallowed pass through digestive tract with no problems)

Pesty Plant (weedy, hard to control):  No

Common Name(s): Pawpaw/Papaw Other Common names include: American Custard Apple, West Virginia Banana, and Indiana Banana

Louisville Plants That Are Most Easily Confused With This One:  None

Page prepared by:

Sam Weigel

November 2005