The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: pawpaw (Glasshouse selection)

Family: Annonaceae (custard-apple family)

Distribution: Species native to e. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: This is an, as of yet, unnamed selection with large, variegated foliage. Found by the proprietor of Glasshouse Works in Stewart, OH. It is a deciduous, small, understory tree that, in some instances, can grow to 30' tall. Flowers are dark maroon, produced in late April to early May and, smelling like overly ripe fruit, are attractive to flies and bats. The flowers develop into large and delicious, early-ripening fruit with a taste some think is similar to banana.