Asimina triloba

At the north end of its range in D.C., the pawpaw is an under-used, small tropical tree with lustrous, dark-green leaves. Its deep-purple spring flowers produce clusters of kidney-shaped fruit that taste like a banana crossed with a mango. Animals enjoy the fruit, so the tree should be netted to protect the fruit for human consumption, however, deer will not eat pawpaw leaves. For optimal fruit production pawpaws should be pollinated by hand.

Size and Light Requirements

May be grown in full sun or partial shade, reaching heights of 20 feet – 25 feet in 15 to 20 years.

Plant This Tree

You can get up to $50 for planting this tree yourself through our Tree Rebate Program.

Find Another Tree

All the trees in this guide have been selected by Casey Trees and are well adapted to the soil and conditions present in Washington, DC.