Plant Identification Learning Module:
Fruits & Nuts

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Pawpaw is a large shrub or small tree growing to a height of 35 feet with a trunk diameter of eight to twelve inches. The six to twelve inch long lanceolate leaves are deciduous, and spirally arranged. The flowers are dark red, 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, with an unpleasant smell. The fruit is a large yellow-green berry two to six inches long. It contains several brown, 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter seeds which are embedded in the soft and edible fruit pulp.


Pawpaw tree
Pawpaw fruit green on tree
UF/IFAS

Pawpaw foliage
Pawpaw flower
Photos by Shirley Denton
© Wunderlin, R. P., and B. F. Hansen. 2008. USF Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants

A pawpaw fruit being cut open
Public domain