Dwarf Pawpaw

Scientific Name: Asimina parviflora

Also Known As

Custard-Banana
Small Custard-Apple

Plant type

tree, shrub, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 4'-8'
W: 4'-6'

planting zones

6b-10a

More Options

Dwarf Pawpaw plant details

Dwarf Pawpaw is a slow-growing broadleaf deciduous fruit / vegetable, shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by black, brown and yellow fruit. Attracts beneficial insects. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and regular - occasional water. Does well in acidic, average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dwarf Pawpaw

Plant type: fruit / vegetable, shrub or tree
Plant family: annonaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 4 FT - 6 FT - wide, 4 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: edible, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dwarf Pawpaw

USDA Zones: 6b - 10a
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: acidic, average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The dwarf form of it's much larger cousin and native to the sandy and sandy loam soils of much of the southeast US. The Dwarf Pawpaw produces 3-5" green-yellow elongated fruit that eventually turn brown to nearly black when ripe. It is reported to have a banana custard-like flavor, some say that fully ripe fruit of the Dwarf Pawpaw is equal to the Pawpaw, while others firmly disagree. Produces small maroon to greenish flowers flowers in spring. A small to medium-sized, spreading to upright, moderately slow growing, native deciduous shrub. A caterpillar host plant of the Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly. Seedling grown. Plant two for pollination.