The pawpaw tree (Asimina triloba) is a small, rare tree that bears North America’s largest native fruit with a flavour compared to a mango and banana. The pawpaw has suffered major habitat loss, leaving behind only a few fragile populations as a result of colonization, however, committed groups and individuals in the Carolinian Zone are helping return it to the landscape and celebrating its resilience!
The pawpaw connects diverse stories from First Nations who have grown it for centuries, to farmers and rural land stewards who protect remnant wild stands, to foodies who are “re-discovering” the delicious fruit for urban agriculture. The pawpaw symbolizes hope for the future, representing thousands of local native plants that are essential to healthy landscapes for all.
KSU Pawpaw Research Project
Visit Kentucky State University's Pawpaw Research Project for a deep-dive on pawpaw nutrition, cultivation, and research.
Learn MoreProject Pawpaw
Project Pawpaw has been making crosses between carefully chosen parent trees to kickstart the next generation of pawpaw breeding and selection.
Learn MoreCare and Stewardship of Pawpaw trees
Care and stewardship of these trees is an important step in moving forward to help recover populations. Get information on caring for pawpaws here.
Learn MoreThe (Almost) Forgotten Carolinian Forest Fruit
“The Paw Paw Tree has become a favourite of hundreds of people across the Carolinian Forest Zone who have re-discovered the divine sweetness and remarkable nutritional value of its oddly-shaped fruit.”
Read MoreThe Great Pawpaw Parade: Small Seeds, Big Impact
“In 2022, in partnership with several communities and organizations, Carolinian Canada helped distribute 400+ pawpaw trees and native plant garden kits to folks across the zone.”
Read MoreThe 2023 Pawpaw Parade Visits 23 Communities in Southwestern Ontario
“Each year, the impact of the Pawpaw Parade grows as more groups join to celebrate returning this native tree to the land, build and foster local partnerships for biodiversity, and bring communities together in a shared love of nature.”
Read MorePawpaw Festivals
Project Pawpaw collects a list of pawpaw festivals happening in Canada and the United States.
See EventsSouthwestern Ontario's Pawpaw Fest
Gather at Simpler Thyme Organic Farm in Guelph on October 11, 2025 to celebrate and experience the pawpaw!
Event LinkU.S. Pawpaw Event Guide
Check out Libbey Farm's comprehensive guide to pawpaw events across the U.S.
See EventsDo you have a pawpaw event, activity, resource, or opportunity that you want to add? Let us know at pawpaw@carolinian.org
Following is a carousel of images from the pawpaw parade through the years
