The PawPaw Tree

Found throughout the eastern United States, with its most western limit reaching southeastern Nebraska. Asimina triloba is commonly known as: Pawpaw, Common Pawpaw, Custard Apple, Indiana Banana, West Virginia Banana, and Wild Banana.

The Common Pawpaw name comes from the Arawakan name, papaya, although the papaya is an unrelated, separate tropical fruit. The genus name Asimina stems from Native “assimin”, and triloba is in relation to the blossoms' petals which resemble a tricorn hat.

The trunk of the PawPaw tree  can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. Historically, Asimina triloba bark has been woven into ropes, nets, and mats.  

PawPaw tree leaves are large, dark green, and obovate in shape, meaning they are widest just behind the tip. They are simple, alternate leaves with smooth edges and pointed tips.

Asimina triloba flowers are a deep maroon color, said to mimic red meat. The blossoms have a foul, although subtle, odor with which to attract pollinators.

A flowering Asimina triloba specimen starting to leaf out collected by W. Hess and T. Harrison in 1967 in Oklahoma.

The edible fruits grow 3 - 7 inches (8 - 18 cm) long and resemble stubby bananas; the skin turns black as the fruit ripens. Depending on the variety, pawpaw fruits vary in size, time of ripening, and flavour. The flesh of the fruit is golden and custard-like.

Although Pawpaw fruit are edible and delicious, some people may experience skin irritation when handling the fruit, intestinal distress and/or gastrointestinal issues if the fruit is eaten before it's ripe or when it's over ripe.

A fruiting Asimina triloba specimen collected by R. Dale Thomas in 1968 in Arkansas.

The annual festival takes place in Lake Snowdon, Albany. Celebrating Asimina triloba  showcasing cultivation, cooking, and medical use. 

There are contests such as the largest pawpaw, pawpaw cook-offs, pawpaw art, and a pawpaw eating contest.