Pawpaw
Asimina triloba 
Pawpaw is the northernmost New World representative of a primarily tropical family. It is found over most of Missouri with the exception of the northern counties. Pawpaw grows best on moist soils along streams and in north-facing coves. The fruit ripens in October or November and is consumed by humans as well as raccoons, opossums, squirrels and birds.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 30 ft
- Spread
- 25 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, 7" - 10" long, 3" - 5" wide; broadest above the middle, edges smooth; in two rows along the twig
- Flowers
- 1 l/2" wide, 3 triangular green to brown or purple petals; in early spring
- Fruit
- 3" - 5" long, 1" in diameter; brown, similar to a small banana
- Bark
- dark brown, thin, warty
- Associated species
- sweetgum, river birch, sycamore, roughleaf dogwood
- Ideal site conditions
- moist soil, shade
- Value to man
- landscaping, food
- Value to wildlife
- food
- Growth Rate
- slow
- Range
