The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Wells pawpaw

Family: Annonaceae (custard-apple family)

Distribution: Species native to e. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: This selection is of a species producing the largest fruit of any plant native to the e. U.S. It is a deciduous, small, understory tree growing to 30' tall. Its large, simple leaves have a disagreeable odor when bruised. Flowers are dark maroon, produced in late April to early May and are attractive to flies. The large fruit, a 5" long, yellow-green, lumpy berry, is why this plant was selected. It has a taste resembling a banana. Bark is smooth and brown. Resistant to deer browse.