Serving the Kansas City Metro for over 25 Years
Public Plant Profile

Paw Paw

Asimina triloba (Paw Paw)

Category: Deciduous Tree • Paw Paw

Discover the Paw Paw, a unique tree with edible fruit and attractive foliage, perfect for gardens and pollinator habitats.

Mature Height: 15-30 feet
Mature Width: 10-20 feet
Bloom Color: Purple, Brown
Bloom Time: Spring
Light: Part Sun/Part Shade
Zone: Zones 5-9
Maintenance: Moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate
Season of Interest: Multi-season
Foliage: Deciduous
Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Paw Paw is a small deciduous tree native to North America, known for its large, edible fruit that has a custard-like texture and tropical flavor. It features large, dark green leaves and unique, maroon flowers.

Ideal Conditions

Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Best suited for sheltered locations.

Soil Preferences

Requires well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Tolerates a range of pH levels and adapts to various soil types.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenpollinator garden

Special Features

Edible fruitattractive foliage

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and provides food for birds.

Resistance / Tolerance

Moderate drought tolerance.

Notes from Our Designer

Ideal for naturalized areas and can be used as a focal point. Consider spacing for fruit production.

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Explore related plants, compare shape, texture, and overall planting style, and get a better feel for what may fit your own outdoor space.

Use this page to get a feel for where Paw Paw may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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“We did a complete overhaul of our landscaping after moving into our new home. We removed bushes, a tree, several plants and built 2 retaining walls. Bold Outdoors spent a lot of time talking with us about what we wanted…”

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★★★★★

“Bold Outdoors has provided the highest quality professional landscape design, installation and after installation services at my residence since April, 2014. Josh Graber, the owner of the company, listened to input from…”

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Is Paw Paw a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

Ready to plan your landscape?

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