How much sun does Slimleaf Pawpaw need?

Slimleaf Pawpaw grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Slimleaf Pawpaw bloom?

Slimleaf Pawpaw blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Slimleaf Pawpaw native?

Slimleaf Pawpaw (Asimina angustifolia) is native to AL, FL, GA, SC, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Slimleaf Pawpaw host?

Slimleaf Pawpaw is a larval host plant for zebra swallowtail.

Is Slimleaf Pawpaw HOA-friendly?

Slimleaf Pawpaw takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Slimleaf Pawpaw

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Asimina angustifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Slimleaf Pawpaw (Asimina angustifolia) 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

36"–120" H × 24"–60" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, FL, GA, SC

Pollinators

beetles, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Slimleaf pawpaw is a shrub that grows 3-10 feet tall with narrow leaves and small, dark red flowers in spring. This deciduous plant produces small edible fruits and naturally forms colonies through underground runners.

In an HOA neighborhood

Slimleaf 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.

Spreads by runners creating informal colonies
Can appear bare and unkempt when dormant
Natural growth habit looks wild rather than landscaped

Wildlife value

Host plant for zebra swallowtail.

The flowers attract beetles and flies for pollination, while the fruits provide food for wildlife. As a native pawpaw species, it supports local ecosystem relationships.

Common questions

How much sun does Slimleaf Pawpaw need?: Slimleaf Pawpaw grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Slimleaf Pawpaw bloom?: Slimleaf Pawpaw blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Slimleaf Pawpaw native?: Slimleaf Pawpaw (Asimina angustifolia) is native to AL, FL, GA, SC, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Slimleaf Pawpaw host?: Slimleaf Pawpaw is a larval host plant for zebra swallowtail.
Is Slimleaf Pawpaw HOA-friendly?: Slimleaf 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Slimleaf Pawpaw? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz