Shenandoah Pawpaw Tree Seeds | (Asimina triloba ‘Shenandoah’)
Shenandoah Pawpaw Tree Seeds | (Asimina triloba ‘Shenandoah’)
Native, tropical-tasting, and richly rewarding.
Asimina triloba ‘Shenandoah’, known as the Shenandoah Pawpaw, is a prized cultivar of North America’s only native tropical fruit tree. Its large, custard-like fruits feature smooth texture and a sweet banana-mango flavor—earning it the nickname “American Custard Apple.” This variety is known for exceptional fruit size, fewer seeds, and rich flavor, making it a favorite among orchardists and native fruit enthusiasts.
Pawpaws are understory trees native to the eastern United States, thriving in rich, moist soils along rivers and valleys. The Shenandoah variety offers improved yields and uniform ripening, making it an ideal choice for both home growers and small-scale food forests. With fragrant maroon spring flowers and golden autumn leaves, it’s as ornamental as it is edible.
Why Grow Shenandoah Pawpaw?
- Produces large, creamy fruits with a sweet, tropical flavor
- Fewer seeds and superior taste compared to wild types
- Attracts pollinators and supports native butterflies, including the Zebra Swallowtail
- Cold-hardy, low-maintenance native fruit tree for edible landscapes
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Asimina triloba ‘Shenandoah’
- Common Name: Shenandoah Pawpaw
- Germination Rate: 87%
- Harvest Year: 2024
- Seed Source: Kentucky, USA
- Stratification: Required (90–120 days cold stratification)
- USDA Zones: 5–9
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil with organic matter
- Light: Full sun to partial shade (shade preferred when young)
- Mature Size: 15–25 ft tall × 10–15 ft wide
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Packet Sizes: 5, 10, 25, or 50 seeds
Ecological Importance
- Host plant for the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly, whose larvae feed exclusively on pawpaw leaves.
- Provides fruit for wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, and songbirds.
- Contributes to native reforestation and riparian habitat restoration.
Fun Facts
- Thomas Jefferson grew pawpaws at Monticello, calling them one of America’s finest native fruits.
- The fruit’s tropical flavor inspired the Appalachian folk song “Way Down Yonder in the Pawpaw Patch.”
- Pawpaw pulp can be used in smoothies, custards, and ice cream—adding a rich, banana-caramel flavor.
Evergreen Seed Co. provides fresh, high-viability Shenandoah Pawpaw seeds sourced from premium Kentucky stock. Each order includes clear germination instructions to help you grow this remarkable native fruit tree with ease.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
