Quick answer: Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is native to 29 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: Scott Bauer, USDA, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist |
| Soil | Rich, moist, slightly acid soils, sandy/loam/clay |
| Bloom | Apr-May |
| Height | Up to 40 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds/butterflies, larval host for Zebra Swallowtail and Pawpaw Sphinx moth |
Fruit, though edible, can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset in some individuals; low toxicity.
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (04 Nov 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 04 Nov 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Pawpaw
Where is Pawpaw native?
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is native to 29 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Pawpaw bloom?
Pawpaw blooms Apr-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Pawpaw need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Moist. Soil: Rich, moist, slightly acid soils, sandy/loam/clay. Mature height: Up to 40 ft.
Is Pawpaw good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds/butterflies, larval host for Zebra Swallowtail and Pawpaw Sphinx moth.
Is Pawpaw deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Pawpaw is deer-resistant and tolerates shade.
Is Pawpaw toxic?
Fruit, though edible, can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal upset in some individuals; low toxicity.
Where can I buy real Pawpaw seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 04 Nov 2026. Look for the scientific name Asimina triloba on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Pawpaw.
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
- White ash Fraxinus americana
Also listed under
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