Paw Paw

Paw Paw is a deciduous tree native to Ontario. It produces highly interesting purple-red flowers in spring. To produce fruit, another genetically different Paw Paw must be planted close by to cross-pollinate. Flies and beetles are the primary pollinators of Paw Paws, and they are not as efficient as bees, meaning you may need to hand-pollinate the flowers if you want a good fruit set. If you can get fruit, they are said to taste sweet and custard-like, with a flavour that tastes like a blend of banana, mango and pineapple. They are the largest edible fruit native to North America. 

Paw Paws are an understory tree and grow best in part shade, especially when young. Mature trees can grow in full sun and will produce more flowers. They prefer fertile, loamy, slightly acidic to neutral, moist, well-drained soil. They dislike drought, especially when young, and cannot tolerate heavy, waterlogged soils.