Paw Paw – Asimina triloba

Note: This is the smaller 1 gal size, and so a lower price, but still a decent sized plant.

Features: The only member of a mainly tropical family of trees, this unique understory tree is on the rebound because of its popularity with native gardeners. Zebra Swallowtail butterflies are particularly drawn to its foliage and flowers. In order to grow the paw paw fruit, two trees are needed for cross pollination, though hand pollination is also possible. Here is an interesting read about the Paw Paw fruit.

Light: full to partial sun

Soil: medium to wet

Height: 15-20 ft.

Width: 10-15 ft.

Blooms: early spring

Flower color: maroon

Fall color: yellow to orange leaves

Special note: butterfly host plant

See more information and photos at: Illinois Wildflowers and USDA Plant Database

Photos: Possibility Place (1,2), NPR.org (3), Illinois Wildflowers (4), Chicago Tribune (5)