Have you ever heard of the pawpaw tree or its fruit? No? Well, same, until today.
The pawpaw tree is native to Ohio and is in fact extremely common, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This pyramid-shaped tropical-looking tree can be found in moist areas all throughout Ohio and across parts of the United States.
Want to find a pawpaw tree? Here’s more about the broad-leaf tree.
What does a pawpaw tree look like?
The pawpaw tree is shaped like a dense pyramid and can be up to 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide.
This tree has smooth gray bark, and its leaves are dark green, hanging down like dog ears from its branches. Though flowers are rarely found, when they are, they hang like hats and can be dark lavender to purplish-red. A light green potato-shaped fruit begins to grow in the spring and can be harvested and eaten in late summer and early fall, when it’s yellow-brown.
Where can pawpaw trees be found?
Pawpaw trees thrive in sunny, moist areas with rich, well-drained soil. The trees are commonly found in areas such as the bottoms of ravines, steep hillsides, and creek banks.
Of tropical origin, the pawpaw tree is distantly related to magnolias and the tulip tree.
What does pawpaw fruit taste like?
The pawpaw fruit was named the official native fruit of Ohio in 2009, and is also known as the ‘Indian banana’.
Are you a fruit-lover and want to try all fruits? You’re in luck because the pawpaw fruit is safe to eat.
This fruit is shaped like a potato and can be light green to yellow-brown. The Pawpaw fruit tastes like a combination of banana, mango and pineapple, according to Ohio State’s CFAES. The inside is yellow and can be soft like the inside of an avocado.
You may not find one, however, because animals tend to devour them during their harvesting season.
Can you grow a pawpaw tree?
Yes, you can, but there are specific steps to take for the Pawpaw tree to grow and thrive successfully.
If you’re going to plant a young tree or a seedling, it needs to be in a shaded area to become established. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind the pawpaw’s preference of moist and well-drained soil. Successful growth can happen if a seedling begins its growth in a tree container, rather than the ground.
Eventually, the pawpaw tree can live in areas with full sun, and they can have successful cross-pollination if planted near other Pawpaw trees.
More information on Pawpaw tree plant requirements can be found on the ODNR website.
Can pawpaw trees be difficult?
No, pawpaw trees are typically free of pests and diseases.
However, if you want to move a pawpaw tree after it’s planted into the ground, it will be difficult to re-establish due to its sparse root system.
