Pawpaw is a host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail, providing food for the caterpillars. Pawpaw blooms in the early spring with maroon colored flowers, which then produce an edible fruit. Pawpaw grows in colonies so performs best when planted in less formal settings.
Pollinator Type
Flies
Plant Type
Deciduous tree
Zone
Pawpaw is a host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail, providing food for the caterpillars. Pawpaw blooms in the early spring with maroon colored flowers, which then produce an edible fruit. Pawpaw grows in colonies so performs best when planted in less formal settings.
Height
15-30 ft
Spread
15-20 ft
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Medium Soil, Wet Soil
Bloom Color
Red
Bloom Time
April
Design Considerations
Individual plants are often single-stemmed, but they spread through suckers so they can appear multi-stemmed or like a large shrub.
Care and Maintenance
Keeping spread of this shrub in check.
Pest and Diseases
No major issues.
Establishment and Propagation
Grow from seed after 3-4 months of cold, moist stratification. Transplant from nursery container.
Commercial Availability
Rarely available.
Alternative Plant Selections
Sassafras, Red Buckeye
Native Status
Illinois native statewide.
Fall Color
Yellow
Growth habit
Individual plants are often single-stemmed, but they spread through suckers so they can appear multi-stemmed or like a large shrub.
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
