Netted Pawpaw (Asimina reticulata) is a petite native shrub that brings quiet charm and ecological value to Florida’s sandhill and scrub habitats. Standing just 2 to 4 feet tall and spreading 1 to 3 feet wide, it’s perfectly sized for low-growing native plant gardens. Its delicate white flowers bloom in spring, attracting pollinators like flies and bees, while its green fruit emerges later in the season, adding subtle texture to the landscape. Netted Pawpaw thrives in full sun to partial shade with somewhat moist, acidic sandy soils—ideal for restoration projects and butterfly gardens. Beyond its beauty, it’s a critical larval host plant for both the zebra swallowtail and pawpaw sphinx moth, supporting key stages in their life cycles and enriching the local ecosystem.
- Shrub
- Size: 2-4 ft. tall by 1-3 ft. wide
- Flower: White
- Fruit: Green
- Exposure: Full sun, part shade
- Moisture: Somewhat moist
- Soil: Sand, pH: acidic
- Larval host for zebra swallowtail and pawpaw sphinx
- Pollinated by flies and bees
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