Paw Paw
Arbor walk #50
The Paw Paw, a Missouri native, features dark purple flowers in the spring, elongated edible fruit in the summer, and a yellow to yellow-green fall color which all add to the appeal of this small understory tree.
| Name | Paw Paw |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Asimina triloba |
| Type | Native |
| Diameter | 1.5 ci |
| Color of Leaf | Green, turns to yellow |
| Shape of Leaf | 12″ long simple |
| Color of Flower | Purple |
| Shape of Flower | Cup chaped, 6 petaled |
| Fruit Characteristics | Edible, yellow green, 6″ long fruit |
| Bark Characteristics | Gray and smooth |
| Foliage Type | Deciduous |
With the exception of the Gourd, the fruit of the Paw Paw is the largest edible fruit indigenous to the United States. It has a sweet, custard-ish flavor somewhat similar to that of banana, mango, and pineapple, and are commonly eaten raw. They are also used to make Paw Paw-flavored ice creams and baked desserts, of which George Washington was reportedly a devoted admirer.