TN Nursery Grows Over 2 Million Pawpaw Seedlings a Year

America's Native Fruit. Naturally Unique.

Pawpaw trees are totally native to the United States and were loved by presidents. They are often described as tasting like a combination of banana, mango, and custard. Plant several seedlings to start your own home orchard. These small seedlings can be used in wildlife preservation and restoration as well as in home landscapes alike.

100% Native to North America

Supports Wildlife & Zebra Swallowtail

Delicious, Tropical Tasting Fruit

2 MILLION
PAWPAW TREES
AVAILABLE NOW
AMERICA'S LARGEST
OVER 2 MILLION TREES AVAILABLE
PAWPAW TREE GROWER

See our Pawpaw Videos of Live Production and a little humor, "Dollar Store"

Why Pawpaw Seedlings

Why Pawpaw Seedlings

They are low-cost, easy to ship, and among the most loved trees due to their ease of growing and ability to withstand the climate without a alot of care or any herbicides, pesticides, or insecticides.

Pawpaw Taste

Pawpaw Taste

Somewhat mixed between a mango, peach, and banana are the flavors of the pawpaw fruit. President Thomas Jefferson grew these types of trees at his Monticello Estate and loved these fruits. You can not go to your local grocer and buy them. They are unique and one of their own, a rare and native fruit tree.

How We Grow PawPaws

How We Grow PawPaws

At TN Nursery, we buy 2 tons of pawpaw seeds each fall season and plant them in shade houses after stratification. Then they are transported to a greenhouse with shade to grow until they are ready to ship and dug fresh before we ship and deliver to your jobsite.

The Only Host Plant For 1 Type of Butterfly

The Only Host Plant For 1 Type of Butterfly

Pawpaw trees are the only host plant for the beautiful Zebra Swallowtail butterfly to lay their larvae (aggs) on. It's the only plant they use. How cool is that? You can be a part of this process. With TN Nursery, you can order these and have them shipped directly to you, from the grower.

Tennessee Grown and Shipped to You Fresh Dug

For more than 65 years, TN Nursery has specialized in growing premium native trees, shrubs, and plants for customers nationwide. As North America's largest grower of Pawpaw trees, we proudly provide exceptional plant material to homeowners, landscapers, restoration professionals, and conservation organizations. From backyard gardens to large-scale reforestation projects, our commitment to quality and sustainability has made us a trusted source for native plants across America.

Tennessee Grown
Specimen Quality
Fresh Dug & Shipped
LEARN MORE ABOUT PAWPAW TREES

Choose Your Asimina Triloba Seedlings

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6-12"
12-18"
18-24"
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100
$149.99
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Ships November 15-25

Pawpaw seedlings for shade and fruit

Pawpaw seedlings has large bold leaves, fast growth, and the chance to enjoy rich, custard-like fruit in your yard. They look tropical but are tough native plants that thrive along woodland edges, in shaded borders, or in backyard gardens. If you want a tree that adds texture, seasonal interest, and edible fruit, pawpaw is a great pick for gardeners who want lasting results.

Pawpaw trees are great for softening fence lines, creating a natural screen, and adding a lush look where other fruit trees might not do well. If you want to buy pawpaw seedlings with other young trees, our paw paw page helps you plan a layered and practical landscape.

TN Nursery is America's Largest Pawpaw Seedling Producer 

Key Features

  • ✓  Large green leaves create a tropical-looking canopy with a soft woodland character.
  • ✓  Mature plants reward gardeners with sweet, creamy fruit that is rarely found fresh at the market.
  • ✓  Excellent for shady spots, privacy plantings, fence lines, and mixed native gardens with ferns and wildflowers.
  • ✓  Young plants benefit from steady moisture, mulch, and protection from harsh afternoon sun while roots establish.
  • ✓  If your site has heavier ground, our guide to spring tree picks for clay soil can help you plan better placement.

Details

Plant typeFruit tree seedlingCommon namePawpawGrowth habitUpright habit; can be planted as a specimen or in a small groveFoliageLarge green leaves with a tropical appearanceFruitSweet, rich, creamy fruit suitable for fresh eating or cookingSeasonal interestFresh spring growth, dense summer cover, soft yellow fall color, winter dormancyLight needsYoung plants prefer protection from strong afternoon sun; well suited to shady spotsSoil needsNutrient-rich soil with decent drainageMoisture needsSteadily moist soil; regular watering during dry periodsLandscape usesFence lines, privacy screens, shady borders, native plantings, wildlife-friendly gardensWildlife valueSupports pollinators and wildlife habitatMaintenance levelLow upkeep once established

Care Instructions

Use rich, well-drained soil and keep the soil evenly moist, especially while the seedling is getting established. Adding organic mulch helps the roots stay cool and retain moisture on hot summer days. Water regularly during dry periods to keep the leaves healthy and vibrant. Feeding with compost now and then can help the branches grow. Just a heads-up: young pawpaw plants do not do well in hot, exposed afternoon sun until their roots are well established.

For gardeners who want a native fruit tree with bold foliage, useful shade value, and a memorable harvest, pawpaw seedlings are a dependable addition to the landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

▾What kind of site is best for pawpaw seedlings?

Pawpaw seedlings

 do best in nutrient-rich soil with decent drainage and steady moisture. Young plants also benefit from protection from harsh afternoon sun while they establish.

▾Why should I buy pawpaw seedlings for my landscape?

They offer large, tropical-looking leaves, native adaptability, and eventually sweet, creamy fruit. They also work well in shady borders, privacy plantings, and wildlife-friendly gardens.

▾What does a pawpaw tree look like when mature?

A mature pawpaw tree has an upright habit, broad green leaves, and green fruit with a distinctive oblong shape. It also provides seasonal interest from spring growth through soft yellow fall color.

Pawpaw Trees: Perfect For Environmental Sustainability

North America's Largest Native Fruit Tree
A Hardy, Native Fruit Tree With Tropical Looking Leaves & Taste
Supports Biodiversity, Wildlife, and Pollinators
Low Maintenance, No Chemicals or Fertilizers Needed
Years of Fresh and Edible Fruits Every Summer Season
A Perfect Choice to Plant For Future Generations

America's Largest Pawpaw Tree Grower

2 MILLION TREES. ONE MISSION. A BETTER FUTURE.

65+

YEARS OF GROWING EXCELLENCE

2 MILLION+

PAWPAW TREES AVAILABLE

THOUSANDS

OF HAPPY CUSTOMERS NATIONWIDE

FAQ's

What so special about the pawpaw tree?


The Pawpaw tree is North America's largest native fruit tree. It produces a delicious tropical-tasting fruit often compared to a blend of banana, mango, and vanilla custard.

How long does it take for a Pawpaw tree to bear fruit?

The trees typically begin producing fruit within 4+ years, depending on growing conditions, pollination, and the tree's age at planting.

Do I need more than one Pawpaw tree for fruit production?

No, Our trees are self-pollinated from the grower fields.