All About the American Pawpaw:
Scientific Nomenclature: Asimina triloba
Common Name: American pawpaw, papaw.
Many local names for the fruits: American custard apple, Appalachian banana, Quaker delight.
Mature Height: 15–20 feet
Mature Spread: 15–20 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Attracts Wildlife: Insects, select butterfly species, birds and small and large mammals
Messiness: Flowers bloom in spring and have a foul odor. Leaves drop in autumn and have a peppery smell when crushed. Large fruits mature in early autumn and drop by winter.
Shape: Round/Upright pyramid
Native to Kentucky: Yes
Preferred Soils: Tolerates occasionally wet or moist soil conditions but prefers well-drained, acidic (<6.0pH) soils.
Screening: Not used as a screening tree.
Drought Tolerance: Not drought tolerant
Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous tree
Pruning: Not necessary, though deadwood can be removed as needed to keep the tree at its healthiest.
Climate Quick Facts:
Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one pawpaw will:
- Sequester ~829 pounds of CO2.
- Reduce stormwater runoff by 280 gallons.