Pawpaw tree (Asimina triloba) is a small (15 to 20 feet) understory tree that typically grows along streams, low bottom woods, and in floodplains. The plant does not self-pollinate, but if fertilized, the paw paw’s springtime maroon flowers can produce the largest edible fruit native to North America by late summer. Often described as tasting like a cross between a banana and a mango, pawpaw can be eaten raw, used to make jams, ice cream or flavor beer, or cooked in breads and pies. In addition, the pawpaw, like several shrubs in the custard apple (Annonaceae) family, is the food source for Zebra Swallowtail caterpillars. September 16 is National Pawpaw Day.
/DJS