Paw Paw Trees

[MossRoad]

In nature, they establish in the understory shade of nurse trees, then as they grow the top of the crown pushes up into the sun, while the remainder of the crown grows in partial shade. To successfully grow them, think about how to replicate the natural environment of these trees.

I don't think they grow tall enough to break the canopy around here, except on the edges of woods, swamps, etc. That's the only places I've seen them in the wild. I wasn't surprised that the only one I transplanted that lived was in 50% shade once I started reading about them. I'm going to try and move a few more this spring.

 

[jyoutz]

I don't think they grow tall enough to break the canopy around here, except on the edges of woods, swamps, etc. That's the only places I've seen them in the wild. I wasn't surprised that the only one I transplanted that lived was in 50% shade once I started reading about them. I'm going to try and move a few more this spring.

Those areas where they grow in partial shade is probably where they produce best. The Silvics of North American reference classifies them as a partially shade tolerant understory species.