small-flowered pawpaw

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

6-8 ft. tall
2-6 ft. wide

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed, By air-layering

Plant Propagation Notes

Propagate by layering or root cuttings.

Plant Planting Notes

They have a long taproot so transplanting is difficult. Pawpaws need some babying to establish but are worth the effort.

Plants/Diseases

No significant pests or disease.

Wildlife Benefits

Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaf blades are obovate to oblanceolate, 3-6 inches long by 1-3 inches wide, with entire leaf margins and hairs along the veins.

Flowers

Flowering occurs on the previous years shoots before or during leaf emergence. The solitary flowers are bell shaped with 6 petals and ranging from purple/lavender to brown/copper, and approximately 1-3 inches diameter.

Fruit

The edible, 1-3 inch long cylindrical berries are edible, being harvested in the summer.

Bark

The new shoots are red to brown and covered with densely matted woolly hairs. Bark become smooth as it matures and becomes gray-brown with warty lenticels.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Fruits are sweet and can be used raw or cooked.

USDA Hardiness Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Sands, sandy loams, or sandy alluvium of rich woods, alluvial terraces, and upland dry woods

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the SC Coastal Plain and Piedmont, and Rare in the Mountains