image of Paw Paw

Paw Paw

Nature Loop

This damp habitat contains a cluster of paw paw trees, a small understory tree that produces the largest edible fruit native to the United States. Raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and other small mammals are attracted to the mango-like fruit. Paw paws are also critical to the life cycle of the zebra swallowtail butterfly, whose larvae feed exclusively on paw paw leaves.



Paw Paw Images


  • Maryland DNR Paw Paw Video