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Paw Paw

Asimina triloba

American Beauties®
$12931
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: For the best fruit production, plant your Paw Paw in full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light). Young trees benefit from temporary shade for the first year or two because their large leaves are sensitive to intense UV, but mature trees need sun to fuel their energy-intensive fruit.
  • Soil: These trees crave deep, fertile, and well-drained soil that mimics a river bottom. If you have heavy clay, incorporate organic compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" or standing water will quickly cause root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years of establishment, keep the soil consistently moist like a wrung-out sponge, providing about one inch of water per week. Once the root system is mature, the Paw Paw is moderately drought-tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during the summer can lead to fruit drop or smaller, less flavorful harvests.

Pruning Tips

Paw Paws bloom on one-year-old wood, so the best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before the flower buds begin to swell. Focus on removing "suckers" from the base of the tree and thinning out the center to improve airflow and light penetration. Think of this like thinning a crowded room; it ensures the remaining branches have enough resources to support heavy clusters of fruit without breaking.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer in early spring as the buds begin to break to support the initial flush of growth. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late-season surge makes the tree vulnerable to winter kill and diverts energy away from ripening the fruit.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
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Native Tropical Paw Paw Tree

  • Edible, Custardy Tropical Fruit
  • Spring and Fall Color
  • Disease Resistance
  • Hardy and Cold Tolerant
  • Long History

A favorite of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, the Paw Paw (Asimina triloba) is an incredible native fruit that brings the taste of the tropics home. Have you ever heard of it?

This special tree grows the largest native fruit in the United States. Related to a tropical type of fruit called a Cherimoya in the family Annonaceae, this tree doesn't grow in the tropics. It grows in the Southeast and Midwest of the United States as an understory tree in the woods. Native Americans, the Founding Fathers, and settlers throughout Appalachia and the Southeast alike appreciated this tree.

But today? The largest edible fruit native to North America is not often found in grocery stores. Why? They are delicious and have a long history of use.

Well, they ripen best while hanging on the tree. They don't transport long distances well.

However, the Paw Paw fruit is really starting to pick up in popularity. This is a perfect locally sourced, seasonal food source for farmer's markets. As you know, gardeners and food-lovers across the country are "hungry" for new experiences.

Microbreweries across the country have started to use the tropical fruits in seasonal beer recipes. And with the growing interest in Homesteading, the word is out about the Paw Paw.

For the best supply, we recommend that you grow your own trees to produce fruit. You'll love using this exotic, fruit-bearing native tree in your landscape.

Dark purple flowers open and bloom early in spring. Each bloom is a delightful, 1-inch bell-shaped flower. The flower buds are also quite charming. You'll definitely notice them, as they appear before the long leaves appear.

Large, deeply textured leaves really add to the tropical look, and they'll turn a brilliant yellow in fall. These are deciduous trees, so they'll drop their leaves for winter. Because each leaf is so large, it's an easy task to clean up.

Now for the best part. The most popular feature of these fruit trees is the large, tropical fruits that are produced in the fall.

Order yours today, we have a hard time keeping them in stock!

How to Use Paw Paw Fruit

You'll adore the short, stubby-banana shape and creamy consistency of the ripe, custard-like ripe fruits. It's about the size of a large potato.

The unique taste must be tried to be truly appreciated. People describe it as a banana flavor with papaya, mango, melon, vanilla or even pineapple accents. Incredible!

Inside, it's a creamy yellow and has a soft texture like ice cream. You'll need to be ready to prep them once they are ripe.

You'll want to save some to eat fresh. Nicknamed "poor man's bananas", you can use them as a replacement for bananas in your cooking. They make wonderful quick breads and preserves. You can freeze the pulp as frozen puree.

Homebrewers, try using the Paw Paws as a bright fruity base for a light Belgian-style ale. Or go old school and ferment them into homemade brandy or wine. Just right for what "ails ya."

These superfruits are chock full of nutrients, including antioxidants, Vitamin C and B6, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and folate.

How to Use Paw Paw in the Landscape

This is a unique tree that is sure to turn heads if planted near your street or by the front entrance of your home. It's a mid-sized tree that brings a lush look.

Plant at least 3 together in a grove for the best cross pollination in an edible garden. Plant 4 feet apart.

Or, as an ornamental, consider using the Paw Paw as a fabulous specimen tree. The large leaves give it a dramatic, coarse texture. It's fun to play off that by contrasting it with fine-textured plants like Ornamental Grasses, Azaleas or smaller flowering shrubs around it.

If you want to encourage butterflies, you'll like hearing that these leaves are used by Zebra Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars as a food source.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Planting a Paw Paw is a great way to bring a bit of tropical allure to your yard without concerns about harsh weather. The Paw Paw can tolerate cold temperatures, even as low as -25 Fahrenheit.

Paw Paws are an understory plant and will work well as a naturalized tree at the edge of a forest setting in moist soil. They really like a lot of organic matter in their soil.

In hot, dry climates, site them so they'll receive morning sun and afternoon shade. Mulch them heavily with a thick 4-6 inch deep layer to 2 feet outside the canopy to keep their roots cool.

If you see these in stock on our site, place your order today. They sell very quickly.

Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can paw paw trees grow in zone 5 or colder areas like zone 4?
  • Paw paw trees are hardy and cold tolerant, naturally growing in the Midwest where winters reach zone 4-5 temperatures. These native trees handle cold better than most fruit trees since they evolved in temperate climates, not tropical ones. Plant in a protected spot with some wind shelter for best results in colder zones.

What is the mature height and width of paw paw trees?
  • Paw paw trees typically reach 15-20 feet tall and 15 feet wide at maturity. As native understory trees, they naturally stay smaller than canopy species. Plan for adequate spacing when planting multiple trees for cross-pollination, available at naturehills.com.

How fast do paw paw trees grow, and when do they start bearing fruit?
  • Paw paw trees are slow to moderate growers, typically adding 12-24 inches per year and beginning fruit production in 4-8 years from planting. These understory natives prefer patience over speed. Plant at least two trees for cross-pollination to ensure fruit set.

How far apart should I plant multiple paw paw trees?
  • Plant paw paw trees 15-20 feet apart to allow for their mature canopy spread. Since they're naturally understory trees, they can tolerate closer spacing than many fruit trees. For best fruit production, plant at least two trees for cross-pollination.

Where can I buy high-quality paw paw trees or bare root stock online?
  • Nature Hills Nursery offers quality paw paw trees online with reliable shipping and expert selection. These native fruit trees are becoming increasingly popular but aren't widely available at local nurseries. Order early spring for best establishment before the growing season begins.

How do I check for viral diseases or ensure trees are virus-tested before buying?
  • Paw Paw trees are naturally disease resistant and rarely affected by viral issues. Reputable nurseries typically source from certified disease-free stock and follow industry standards for plant health. Ask your supplier about their testing protocols and look for signs of healthy growth like vibrant foliage.
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