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: Pawpaws are technically monoecious as they produce male and female flowers on the same plant, but with different timing, which makes them incompatible with themselves when it comes to self-pollination. The female parts of the flowers mature and are receptive long before the male pollen producing parts mature and produce pollen. The purpose of this is to promote cross-pollination, which is important to increase genetic diversity in the next generation. This means that you do need to have at least one other unrelated Pawpaw nearby to produce fruit. The Pawpaw from ONP are grown from seed making each one genetically unique. With seed grown Pawpaw, it is recommened to have at least 2 plants for fruit production. It can take 5-8 years for this species to produce fruit. Seedlings from us are six months (in summer) to one year old (in spring).
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
