With leaves and branches that deer avoid, and fruit that is loved by all, the pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a fascinating native tree. It’s the only local member of a large, mainly-tropical plant family (Annonaceae), and produces the largest edible fruit native to North America. Do not confuse it with papayas that are also nicknamed "pawpaw."
 
The fruit is one of the most tasty late-season rewards for hikers and wildlife alike, which begins to ripen in late summer and peaks in September and October. The flavor of pawpaw fruit is often compared to bananas, but with hints of mango, vanilla, and citrus. The fruit has the ungainly appearance of a small green potato and may occur in clusters on the tree. Due to its poor handling in storage, it has never caught on in American markets, but is perfect for the home gardener.
 
Unlike most fruit trees, as an understory tree, it actually prefers to be in some shade and should still have its feet protected with some heavy mulch. It is hardy to zone 5, but some people have seen success in zone 4 with wind protection.