Dwarf Pawpaw (Asimina pygmaea) is a compact shrub reaching heights of 1.5 to 2.0 feet with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet. Thriving in full sun and medium to occasionally dry sandy soils, it displays striking white, red, or green flowers.
The green fruit of Dwarf Pawpaw is harvested by small wildlife and birds, but it is also edible for humans when fully ripe. Traditionally, the fruit has been enjoyed for its sweet and custard-like flavor, making it an appealing choice for fresh consumption or as an ingredient in desserts such as pies and puddings. Additionally, Dwarf Pawpaw serves as a larval host for the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly, contributing to the ecological richness of landscapes.
- Long-lived perennial shrub
- Size: 1.5-2.0 ft. tall by 1-1.5 ft. wide
- Flower: White, red, green
- Fruit: Green
- Exposure: Full sun
- Moisture: Medium to somewhat dry
- Soil: Sand
- Small wildlife and birds harvest the fruit
- Larval host plant for the Zebra Swallowtai
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