Indian-banana
Asimina triloba
Last reviewed: June 2026
Asimina triloba is a native understory tree found throughout the eastern United States, producing maroon flowers in May and June. This deciduous species supports native beetles and flies as pollinators.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Indian-banana as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
240"–480" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 24 more states
Pollinators
beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Pawpaw is a native understory tree that produces large, tropical-looking leaves and edible fruit. It grows slowly to 20-40 feet tall with a naturally pyramidal shape when young, spreading into colonies over time through root suckers.
Growing Indian-banana
Grow Indian-banana in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 480 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Indian-banana 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.
- Forms colonies through suckers which can look untidy
- Large leaves may appear too informal for front yards
- Fruit drop can create maintenance issues
Wildlife value
Host plant for zebra swallowtail butterfly.
The flowers attract beetles and flies for pollination, while the leaves serve as the exclusive host plant for zebra swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. Birds and mammals enjoy the nutritious fruit in late summer.
Common questions
- Where does Asimina triloba naturally grow?
- Asimina triloba is native to 29 states across the eastern United States, from Florida north to New York and west to Nebraska and Texas.
- When does Asimina triloba bloom?
- Asimina triloba produces flowers in May and June, typically blooming before the leaves fully emerge in spring.
- What pollinates Asimina triloba?
- Asimina triloba flowers are primarily pollinated by beetles and flies, which are attracted to the flowers' distinctive scent.
- What growing conditions does Asimina triloba prefer?
- Asimina triloba grows well in partial sun to shade conditions with medium moisture levels, making it suitable for understory plantings.
- Is Indian-banana toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Indian-banana as toxic to livestock.
- Is Indian-banana HOA-friendly?
- Indian-banana 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 Indian-banana? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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