Bigflower Pawpaw
Asimina obovata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
72"–240" H × 48"–120" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr
Native to
FL
Pollinators
beetles, flies
Bigflower pawpaw is a large evergreen shrub that can reach 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide at maturity. It produces large, fragrant flowers in late winter and early spring, followed by edible fruits that attract wildlife.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bigflower Pawpaw takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Grows very large and can overwhelm smaller spaces
- May appear too informal or wild for front yard landscaping
- Fruit drop can create maintenance issues
Wildlife value
Host plant for zebra swallowtail.
The flowers attract beetles and flies for pollination. The fruits provide food for various wildlife species including birds and mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bigflower Pawpaw need?
- Bigflower Pawpaw grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Bigflower Pawpaw bloom?
- Bigflower Pawpaw blooms in February, March, and April.
- Where is Bigflower Pawpaw native?
- Bigflower Pawpaw (Asimina obovata) is native to FL, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Bigflower Pawpaw host?
- Bigflower Pawpaw is a larval host plant for zebra swallowtail.
- Is Bigflower Pawpaw HOA-friendly?
- Bigflower Pawpaw takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bigflower Pawpaw? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.