Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Magnoliales>Annonaceae>Asimina parviflora (Michaux) Dunal

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

Smallflower, also known as Dwarf Pawpaw, is a miniature version of Common Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), with smaller flowers, smaller leaves, and shorter stature.

This uncommon forest understory shrub of the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions of North Carolina occurs in drier sites than Common Pawpaw. It rarely reaches more than 4-5 feet tall in North Carolina.

Chatham Co., NC 9/20/08.

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

The deciduous leaves are simple and alternate. They are fragrant when crushed, not as malodorous as those of Common Pawpaw. Smallflower Pawpaw is uncommon inconspicuous and very easy to overlook.

Chatham Co., NC 9/20/08.

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

Durham, NC 7/24/07.

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

Durham, NC 5/17/08.

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

Durham Co., NC 4/27/02.

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

Odd little flowers are produced in late April.

Pender Co., NC 4/23/06.

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

Battle Park, Chapel Hill, NC 4/23/05.

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

Durham Co., NC 4/27/02.

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

The fruits are similar to those of Common Pawpaw, but smaller.

Durham, NC 7/24/07.

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

Durham, NC 7/24/07.

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

Bark detail.

Durham, NC 7/24/07.

More information:
Discover Life
Southeastern Flora
USDA PLANTS database
Virginia Tech Dendrology

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

cwcook@duke.edu

All photographs and text ©2011 by Will Cook unless otherwise indicated.