Trunks rarely get larger than six inches diameter (18 cm). Pawpaws often form colonies.īut the leaf of the Pawpaw tree is the biggest tell-tale identifier. The trunks are quite flexible, and easy to bend as they don’t get that large. Large clusters of leaves (12″ long) with smooth margins will line branches and terminate at the end. Pawpaw trees have slim trunks (10-30′ tall) with fairly smooth bark that is pock-marked. My best trick for spotting them (without fruit) is to look for Shagbark Hickory tree leaf structure – then go inspect it to see if it has smooth margins…. Look for Pawpaw trees growing near water sources or in full canopy shade. From Pennsylvania to Georgia to Indiana and Ohio. However, if one is inclined, Pawpaw Trees can be grown in an orchard tree in full sun.īut you will naturally find these in the Appalachian Mountains throughout Eastern North America. Meaning that they naturally grow beneath the Appalachian forest canopy in full shade to partial sun. Where do Pawpaw Trees Grow – Preferred Conditions This is what they actually look like in the wild, found in deep Appalachia. This small tree (10′) in the center of the picture is a Pawpaw. Scientifically known as Asimina triloba and producing sweet fruit, it prefers wet to medium moisture and is adaptable in that it can grow in full sun to full shade. What is a Pawpaw Tree?Ī Pawpaw tree is a an understory tree native to North America that grows to about 15-30′ tall (4.5m – 9 m) at full maturity by 20′-30′ (6m-10 m) spread. I’ve personally kept pawpaws for up to six weeks in the refrigerator, and they still tasted good (even though they were black). A pawpaw’s shelf life can be prolonged by being refrigerated. Once removed from a tree they have a short shelf life. Squirrels, opossums, raccoons, and deer/chipmunks will eat the fruit, further reducing the supply – but expanding the range.Īlso known as the ‘poor man’s banana’, these fruit are always in short supply. Additionally pawpaws have lots of nutritional value and are sweet, making them popular with many animals. Pawpaws are the largest native fruit in North America, reaching up to 1 kg in size. If allowed to ripen, they have the consistency of a yellow banana that is just starting to turn brown. Typically 3-6″ long and peanut shaped, it is a sweet, yet custard like flavor. Pawpaws are a tropical fruit that is native to North America. What is a Pawpaw and Pawpaw Tree What is a Pawpaw Where do Pawpaw Trees Grow – Preferred Conditions.But please, allow me to take away the mystery and pull the curtain back on the largest fruit native to North America via the following topics (jump links): Maybe your neighbor shared a Pawpaw with you, or you heard about this mysterious North American fruit that you can’t purchase at the grocery store. I honestly can’t describe how happy I was when I first found my own Pawpaw patch, and was able to taste the unique flavor. Want to learn more about pawpaws? How to find them? How to grow them? Where to buy them? Well, then you’ve come to the right place! You have to “know someone” or know your own ‘patch’ to be able to enjoy this delicious treat. Pawpaws can’t be commercialized due to spoilage. Pawpaws are America’s best kept secret fruit.
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