Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

Pawpaw is a medium-growing flowering tree, hardy in USDA zones 5-9, that matures to about 15-30 ft × 15-30 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with high water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-wet soil. Expect brown, purple and red blooms in spring. It attracts butterflies, pollinators and small mammals, stands up well to black walnut, deer and fire.

USDA zones: 5-9
Sun: Full sun, Part shade
Water: High
Mature size: 15-30 ft × 15-30 ft
Growth rate: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-wet
Bloom color: Brown, Purple, Red
Bloom season: Spring
Attracts: Butterflies, Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
Tough against: Black walnut, Deer, Fire, Humidity, Pests
Toxic to: People
Native to: Southeastern United States

Freeze survival

Will it survive your winters?

We score Pawpaw’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.