Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

      The northernmost member of an ancient, mostly tropical family, the pawpaw brings us a taste of the tropics with its large, drooping leaves and its hefty green fruits tasting of banana custard. Interesting maroon flowers are beetle-pollinated, having evolved before bees. Plant at least 2 unrelated Pawpaws for cross-pollination. The distinctive leaves are the food source for the larvae of the striking Zebra Swallowtail, and light up with rich golden fall color. Prefers rich, moist soil.      Ht. 10-20'+