Paw-Paw Tree (Asimina triloba)

The Paw Paw tree, a large shrub to small tree, is in the custard apple family. It grows along stream banks and moist areas. Flowers, leaf buds and young twigs are covered with rust colored hairs. The large oblong leaves are a bright shade of green turning to a wonderful shade of yellow in the fall. Flowers are chocolate colored and bloom before the tree develops leaves in the spring. The fruit is edible. You will have a better chance of fruit if you plant more than one tree. The Paw Paw tree is a slow grower, likes a sunny location and grows well in southern climes.