The Pawpaw is an unusual native American tree that bears large clusters of light yellow fruits with an aromatic, flavorful and custardy flesh. It is a hardy, temperate member of the mostly tropical plant family the Annonaceae, which contains many exotic plants, such as the perfume tree, the custard apple, the sweetsop, the soursop and the renowned cherimoya. The name comes from one of the names of the unrelated papaya (Carica papaya). The fruits of the pawpaw resemble the fruits of the papaya. The pawpaw is a large shrub or a small understory tree which occurs in rich woodlands, on slopes and ravines and along streams in the eastern United States and Canada. It has large, lush and very beautiful foliage. The leaves are mid-green, obovate and clustered at the branch ends. The leaves droop down from the twigs. The tree has a very tropical appearance and looks more like it is from a tropical rainforest, rather than a temperate woodland.
 
The pawpaw is primarily found in the rich, moist soils of river valleys, floodplains, and deciduous forests across the eastern and central United States. It is the largest edible fruit native to the continent, making it a unique treasure in American flora. This small understory tree or large shrub usually grows 15 to 30 feet tall and has broad, drooping leaves that give it a lush, almost tropical look, despite being tolerant of temperate climates. In spring, it produces distinctive maroon to purplish flowers that emit a faint, musky odor, attracting pollinators such as flies and beetles rather than bees. Its fruits ripen in late summer to early fall, appearing as clusters of oblong greenish-yellow berries with a soft, creamy, custard-like flesh that boasts a flavor often described as a delightful blend of banana, mango, and melon. These fruits are not only enjoyed by humans but are also a critical food source for wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and raccoons. Pawpaw trees typically spread by root suckers, forming thickets in suitable habitats, and their seeds require cold stratification to germinate, ensuring they remain tied to natural seasonal cycles. Despite being highly nutritious—rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—the pawpaw fruit remains underutilized in commercial agriculture due to its short shelf life and delicate skin, which make it difficult to transport. Nevertheless, its cultural and ecological importance, along with its potential for niche cultivation, has sparked renewed interest among gardeners, chefs, and conservationists who appreciate its role as an iconic native fruit tree with deep historical roots in American traditions. Hardy in zones 5-9.
 
Growing Instructions for the Pawpaw Tree
 
The seeds have a period of dormancy and need to be cold stratified to break their dormancy. The seeds are stored in a refrigerator to maintain viability so they have already been stratified. The seeds need to be planted when received or stored in a refrigerator until they are planted. 1. Fill a pot with potting soil. Use a pot that has drainage holes in the base. 2. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. 3. Water the container and leave it to drain. 4. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area. 5. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet. The seed will normally germinate in 2-3 weeks, and the shoot will emerge in 2 weeks to 2 months. 6. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.