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paw paw trees for ornamental value

Hey everyone. I am interested in putting a paw paw tree in my yard. I am doing my research before fall arrives and I start doing some planting. I am adding a sweet bay magnolia and white fringe to my yard. I am looking to add one more tree and am thinking of a paw paw. I understand how the whole more than one tree for fruit thing works. But I am more interested in it’s ornament value. It is native to me in zone 7a Philadelphia but I haven’t seen any around ( I think it underused) it is a host plant for some insects which is what I am into. I’d love to see pictures of mature specimens. Are they as uniform and full as google images makes them out to be ? How’s their hardiness. Please post your pictures !

Comments (6)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Hhhmmmm...well make sure you've actually seen one in person.

    I have, and they aren't something I would be planting for ornamental value, but, taste is subjective as they say! But if you expect them to attract a certain kind of insect and are planting them for that reason...I say go for it. Remember the structure of the plant is something you have some degree of control over. If they are "uniform" in google images, it could be because people prune fruit trees for uniformity, because that's a way to maximize yield. Although, in the case of this species, it might just be that they grow that way.


  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Understand also that pawpaws spread fairly aggressively by root-suckers, tho that can be controlled.

  • 4 years ago

    Pawpaw can grow as a very uniform pyramid, if it is maintained with a single trunk. They do tend to want to produce multiple stems, which will make for a fatter plant. They will behave this way far better in full sun, too. Almost all the Pawpaws that I have planted in parks here have behaved that way when planted singly in lawns. They are very dense and uniform, and typically have a handsome golden yellow fall color.


    If you haven't already, check out the Kentucky State University pawpaw breeding and selection program. More advice on Asimina than you can shake a stick at...

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I have never seen one in person, but looking at pictures pawpaw seems to have large leaves that provide an unusual texture in the landscape, in a macro sense. I think they are neat and would love to have one in my yard.

  • 4 years ago

    I grew up in Bucks County and had pawpaws there in my parent's yard. I now live slightly north in New Jersey and have had pawpaws growing here for quite some time. They grow easily. Start with potted plants (not bareroot).....they have roots with little root hairs and it is hard for bare roots to survive. They start out slow the first year or three and then take off. Plus is the large tropical looking leaves. The bark is smooth and attractive. Of course the fruit is a plus too.....it is very good (well most people love it, a few will hate it). My yard is small so I originally planted two trees close together. Negatives, which were mentioned, they do get root sprouts as they get older..........and between that and seedlings (from fallen fruit) you end up later with pawpaw sprouts everywhere at least close to the parent trees. I like them though!!