Pawpaw has droopy, 6 to 12 inch long leaves that are alternate, simple and smooth along the margins. Purple flowers appear out of the brownish buds in April and May and are quite unusual. The fruit are edible, waxy, irregular-shaped berries from 2-5 inches long. The fruit are greenish yellow maturing to black. The dark green leaves turn golden-yellow hues in the fall. Photos by Spring Valley Nursery
Interesting Notes The fruit tastes much like a banana. The drooping leaves give it a tropical appearance.
Growing Tips This plant is difficult to transplant. Gardeners should try to find small container grown seedlings. Pawpaws like a moist, well-drained soil in sun or shade.
Pawpaw can be found in rich deciduous forests and along streams, usually shaded by taller trees. In Kansas, it is generally found in the eastern 1/3 of the state.
