Common Pawpaw / Tall Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Common Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), also known as Tall Pawpaw or Indiana Banana, is a deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America, including Georgia. Large, dark green, oblong leaves are aromatic when crushed and can turn yellow in fall.

Distinctive maroon flowers appear in spring, followed by edible fruit in late summer or early fall. The fruit has a custard-like texture and sweet, tropical flavor.

Growing details

• Plant type: Deciduous tree
• Origin: Eastern and central North America; Georgia native
• Mature size: Typically 15–30 feet tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 20 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9
• Light: Full sun to full shade; growth can be leggier in shade
• Flowers: Maroon blooms in spring
• Fruit: Edible, custard-textured fruit in late summer or early fall
• Fall foliage: Yellow

Care and garden use

Allow room for the tree's mature size. Plants grown in shade can develop a leggier habit.

Handling caution: Direct contact with the fruit skin can cause skin irritation. Wear gloves when handling fruit.

Use as an accent, in grouped plantings, borders, naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, or as a shade tree. Pair with palm sedge, golden ragwort, or wild geranium.

Image credits: Photos by James St. John, Asimina Triloba (Pawpaw Tree) and Asimina triloba (pawpaw tree) 2. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.