This tree is native to the Carolinian Zone and will grow best in the milder regions of Southern Ontario (Zone 5 to 7).
Please Note: Pawpaw trees are dioecious, which means that each tree is either male or female. To produce fruit, you will need at least one male and one female tree. The caveat is that you cannot determine the sex until flowers appear on the tree after a few years. Therefore, we suggest that you purchase a few trees to increase the chances of having a male and female.
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a unique and rare small tree that can sometimes take the form of a large shrub. It may tolerate some cooler climates if well protected. It holds its green foliage well into the fall before turning a bright yellow. This tree prefers to be grown in soil that is slightly acidic and consistently moist. Choose a location that has more sun than shade and is protected from strong winds. This species is well known for its edible fruit (4-16 cm long) which are large, sweet, and similar to some tropical species such as mango. Pawpaw are pollinated by flies and/or beetles, however the rate of pollination is low and home gardeners may need to pollinate their trees by hand. In general, two or more trees are needed for pollination.
Wondering if this species is right for your landscape? Check out these resources:
More information about Pawpaw
Information about the Carolinian Zone
Map of the Carolinian Zone
