Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

The Pawpaw is a small deciduous, understory tree. Often found in shady woodlands along ditches and floodplain areas. Leaves are large, green and tropical-like. It produces purple to maroon flowers that bloom from April to May. Flowers are pollinated primarily by beetles and flies. The fruits that follow can be up to 6 inches long and have a banana-like/custard flavor. This is the only host plant to the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly!