Paw Paw | Congaree National Park (S.C.)

Asimina triloba
• Small tree or shrub related to custard-apple family
• Large, green leaves
• Foliage resembles magnolia
• Long, naked, deep brown hairy or red-brown hairy end buds
• Twigs and young leaves often hairy
• Smooth, dark bark
• Purple flowers on previous year's growth
• Large, fleshy and green banana-like fruits with flattened seeds
• Fruit is edible and tastes like banana
• Fruits eaten by Squirrels, Raccoons, Foxes, Opossum and Humans
• Likes shade
• An understory tree
• Prefers moist, fertile ground