![]() The ripe fruit has a custard-like texture–not unlike a soft banana–and has been compared in flavor to banana, strawberry, mango, or cantaloupe, depending on the source tree or cultivar. The large fruit of common pawpaw has been consumed by humans for thousands of years, and Native Americans spread the tree widely for both the fruit and fibers that can be obtained from its bark. When ripe in mid-to late-summer, the fruit is greenish or yellowish in color with mottled brown areas. The fruit is the largest of any native North American plant, reaching 3 to 5 inches long. Flowers have a somewhat unpleasant odor that attracts the flies and carrion beetles necessary for successful pollination. The flowers, which develop before or with the leaves, are 1 to 2 inches across and reddish purple to maroon in color. The growth form is relatively open, and the bark stays tight and thin, even on older trees. When crushed, the leaves have a strong odor reminiscent of bell pepper. It has large leaves (approximately 10 inches in length and approximately 4 inches wide) that are fuzzy when young but become smooth with age. In the wild, it tends to grow in wet soils near streams or other bodies of water and can tolerate considerable shade. ![]() Depending on conditions, it can range from 3 feet in height to as tall as 30 feet and can form spreading thickets from root sprouts. Common Pawpaw General DescriptionĬommon pawpaw ( Asimina triloba) is a large shrub or small tree found across most of Alabama, with greater populations found in the northern half of the state. Two of the species found in the state, common pawpaw (Asimina triloba) and small flower pawpaw (Asimina parvifolia), have notable fruiting potential. Most members of the family are tropical, but there are a handful of native species that live in Alabama and beyond. He writes, ”Lurid purple, 1 to2” across… not particularly showy but interesting seldom seen by the uninitiated…”.Pawpaw is an intriguing native fruit in the custard apple family. I have always enjoyed Micheal Dirr’s description in his book, “Manual of Woody Landscape Plants“ of the Pawpaw flower. Note the fuzzy brown bud scales and the green petals of the Pawpaw flowerĪ young Pawpaw flower beginning its color transformation Those green petals transform to become one of the deepest burgundy to an almost black color that is truly magnificent and delicate at the same time. ![]() Now this subtle stage is set for the real thrill to happen. ![]() If I pay attention and patiently observe those bud scales, the smoothest petals of the exact same green color slip inconspicuously into view. I love those green, fuzz covered buds, because I know the tremendous color change that awaits. Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) flowers fully coloredīut honestly, that is the real beauty of knowing plants and their potential. Now some may opine that the green, brown fuzz covered bud scales are the reason most people ignore and consequently, miss the real floral display, because the buds seem so uninspiring. As I was in the throes of cutting and baling my overgrown lawn last week in Northeast Ohio, I was pleasantly surprised to see a profuse flower display on my Pawpaw ( Asmina triloba) trees! I can’t recall ever seeing so many buds and blooms on the tree, especially the numbers which were noted this season. ![]()
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