When does Bigflower Pawpaw bloom?

Bigflower Pawpaw typically flowers from February through April, producing large, showy white blossoms before or alongside new leaf growth.

What pollinates Bigflower Pawpaw?

Its flowers give off a faint fermented odor that attracts beetles and flies, which serve as the main pollinators.

What kind of soil does Bigflower Pawpaw need?

It grows best in sandy, well drained soil typical of Florida scrub and sandhill habitats, and it does not tolerate heavy or waterlogged soils.

How much water does Bigflower Pawpaw need?

This shrub does well with medium moisture but also tolerates drier, sandy sites once established, reflecting its scrub habitat origins.

How much sun does Bigflower Pawpaw need?

It grows well in part sun but can also handle full sun to part shade, making it adaptable to open scrub edges and lightly wooded areas.

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.

Bigflower Pawpaw

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Asimina obovata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Bigflower Pawpaw is a Florida scrub shrub with large white spring flowers, blooming from February through April in sandy, well drained soil.

Toxicity unknown

Bigflower Pawpaw (Asimina obovata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

72"–240" H × 48"–120" W

Bloom

Feb, Mar, Apr

Native to

Pollinators

beetles, flies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Coastal Plain

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.

Growing Bigflower Pawpaw

Grow Bigflower Pawpaw in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 240 inches tall and spread 48 to 120 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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

When does Bigflower Pawpaw bloom?: Bigflower Pawpaw typically flowers from February through April, producing large, showy white blossoms before or alongside new leaf growth.
What pollinates Bigflower Pawpaw?: Its flowers give off a faint fermented odor that attracts beetles and flies, which serve as the main pollinators.
What kind of soil does Bigflower Pawpaw need?: It grows best in sandy, well drained soil typical of Florida scrub and sandhill habitats, and it does not tolerate heavy or waterlogged soils.
How much water does Bigflower Pawpaw need?: This shrub does well with medium moisture but also tolerates drier, sandy sites once established, reflecting its scrub habitat origins.
How much sun does Bigflower Pawpaw need?: It grows well in part sun but can also handle full sun to part shade, making it adaptable to open scrub edges and lightly wooded areas.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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