did you know?

The bark of the pawpaw tree was used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans and is currently being examined as a potential anticancer drug. Its custardy fruit is high in vitamins A and C as well as potassium.

general maintenance:

Prune damaged and weak stems or branches. Pawpaws tend to sucker so remove suckers to avoid formation of colonies.

pests/diseases:

Pawpaws are relatively carefree.

how to sow/plant:

Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil, making sure there is enough room for tree to reach its mature height and spread. In early spring, dig a hole twice as wide as container or root ball. Set plant at same depth or slightly higher than it was in the pot, or if balled, level soil with top of root ball. Fill hole around plant with soil and mound soil to form a 2-inch-high ridge around perimeter of hole to act as a catchbasin. If plant is balled in synthetic fabric, remove carefully before backfilling. Cotton or natural burlap may be left around root ball and then peeled back once plant is set in hole. Water thoroughly, filling the basin and allowing water to settle several times. Spread 2-inch-layer of mulch around plant.

water and fertilize:

Maintain uniform soil moisture for the first season. Be sure the soil is moist before ground freezes in fall. Each spring before growth begins, feed with an all-purpose fertilizer, following label directions. Once tree is established, usually by the third year, water only in times of drought.

garden hint:

Plant pawpaws alongside a stream, where they will naturalize easily and create a particularly pleasing effect.

features:

• Attractive Fruit
• Deciduous
• Fall Foliage
• Native

garden uses:

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible (custardy, bananalike fruit with pear flavor)