I: Pawpaw

A small understory tree which thrives in wet areas, the Pawpaw is best known for its large, edible fruits. The fruit can be eaten raw, and its flavor is compared to mango, pineapple, and banana. It is beloved by humans and animals alike, but especially by raccoons, foxes, opossums, and bears. Try to spot the fruit in late summer before hungry animals take it - it’s more difficult than you might think! We usually don’t see any fruit here except on the trees’ very highest branches.

The Pawpaw’s leaves are large and oval-shaped, and can appear almost tropical. Its bark is smooth, brown, and splotchy. The flowers are reddish and bell-shaped, giving way to green fruit which turns yellow and brown as it ripens.