Pawpaw is a small native tree known for its tropical-looking foliage, unusual flowers and custard-like fruit. It thrives in shady, naturalized areas and makes a unique addition to backyards and community spaces.
Quick Facts
Height: approximately 20 feet in urban settings
Spread: approximately 20 feet in urban settings
Form: upright, ovate to pyramidal crown; often occurs in small clusters
Leaves: large, medium green, aromatic, slightly drooping, obovate to oblong with smooth edges; emerge in spring; bright yellow in fall
Bark: smooth, light grey when young; visible lenticels, brown with light grey patches when mature
Flowers: small, cup-shaped, velvety, purplish-brown; emerge in spring with or slightly before the leaves
Fruit: large, green to yellow, oblong, thin-skinned, fleshy clusters containing yellow custard like pulp and several long, flat seeds; mature to brown in late summer/early fall
Distinguishing Feature
Pawpaw is easiest to recognize by its unique, oblong yellow fruit with custard-like flesh, which ripens in late summer. Its unusual maroon flowers and tropical-looking leaves also make it stand out in naturalized areas and gardens.
Historical Fact
Pawpaw was once more abundant in southern Ontario, but numbers declined as forests were cleared for farmland. Today, populations are gradually bouncing back as homeowners and land managers replant pawpaws.
Why We Love It
Pawpaw supports biodiversity by providing food for various birds, small mammals and pollinators such as pawpaw-loving beetles and flies. Its ability to grow in shady, understory conditions makes it a perfect choice for gardens and naturalized areas. The tree adds visual interest with its tropical foliage and fragrant, unusual flowers.
Did You Know?
- Pawpaw is the largest edible fruit native to North America.
- The fruit tastes like a blend of banana, mango and melon, is rich in vitamins A, B and C and contains more potassium than apples, grapes or peaches.
- Pawpaw flowers give off a faintly fermented-fruit scent that attracts beetles and flies for pollination. Although each tree has both male and female parts, they need pollen from another tree to produce fruit.
Plant Your Own!
Planting a pawpaw in your yard is a wonderful way to enhance the beauty of your property. Learn more on our Pawpaw FAQ page. Plant for Less with LEAF’s subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program today!
LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of urban forests. We envision vibrant communities where everyone benefits from a healthy urban forest. For over 30 years we have been connecting people with trees through education, planting and stewardship.
