Woolly Pawpaw

asimina incana

The Woolly Pawpaw (Asimina incana), also known as the polecat pawpaw, is a charming, resilient dwarf shrub endemic to the sandy pine flatwoods and coastal plains of Florida and Georgia. Unlike its towering northern relative, this species stays close to the ground, reaching heights of only one to two meters. In early spring, it produces a spectacular show of large, pendulous white or cream-colored flowers that contrast beautifully with the charred undergrowth of its fire-prone habitat. This hardy plant is a vital component of the southeastern scrub ecosystem, serving as an evolutionary lifeline for local insect species. For native plant enthusiasts and wild foragers, the woolly pawpaw is a highly prized find, celebrated for both its ecological importance and its sweet, edible, banana-like fruits that mature in the heat of the summer.

Habitat: Found in dry, sandy soils of pine flatwoods, oak scrub, and sandhills throughout the southeastern United States.

Appearance

This low-growing shrub is easily identified by its young twigs and leaves, which are covered in a soft, woolly, rust-colored or grayish pubescence. The leaves are oblong to obovate, growing up to 10 centimeters long with smooth margins. Its most striking feature is the large, nodding flower, boasting three large outer petals that are white to creamy-white, occasionally flushed with pink or purple at the base. The fruit is an oblong, green berry that turns yellow-green when ripe, measuring around 5 to 8 centimeters in length, resembling a small, plump banana.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMagnolialesFamilyAnnonaceaeGenusAsimina

Photo: Alex AbairCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalistView original ↗

Woolly Pawpaw

Interesting facts

Crushed leaves of this species release a highly unusual scent that has been described as a mix of gasoline, green peppers, and asphalt.

Despite its small size, the sweet, custard-like pulp of the woolly pawpaw fruit is fully edible and is a favorite snack of local forest wildlife.

The flowers of the woolly pawpaw emit a subtle, yeasty aroma that attracts flies and beetles for pollination rather than typical sweet-seeking bees.

Special abilities

It features a deep, robust taproot system that allows the plant to quickly resprout and bloom after frequent wildfire cycles.

The foliage produces potent chemical compounds called annonaceous acetogenins, protecting it from most herbivorous insects.

The dense, woolly hairs covering young leaves reduce water loss from transpiration under the intense subtropical sun.

Measurements & details

Length: 100-200 cm
Lifespan: 10-30 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photoautotroph, the woolly pawpaw synthesizes its own energy from sunlight via photosynthesis, drawing water and essential minerals through its deep root system.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon dioxide
Soil nutrients

Ecological connections

Host plant

Zebra Swallowtail

Protographium marcellus

Serves as an essential host plant for caterpillars of the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly, which rely solely on pawpaw species for survival.

Eaten by

Gopher Tortoise

Gopherus polyphemus

Gopher tortoises sharing the sandy pine sandhills occasionally feed on the fallen, ripe sweet fruits of the woolly pawpaw.

Mutualism

Hairy Flower Beetle

Trichiotinus piger

Beetles crawl inside the scented flowers, feeding on pollen and effectively pollinating the shrub in a mutualistic relationship.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Woolly Pawpaw?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Woolly Pawpaw?

100-200 cm

How long does Woolly Pawpaw live?

10-30 years

What does Woolly Pawpaw eat?

As a photoautotroph, the woolly pawpaw synthesizes its own energy from sunlight via photosynthesis, drawing water and essential minerals through its deep root system.

Where is Woolly Pawpaw usually found?

Found in dry, sandy soils of pine flatwoods, oak scrub, and sandhills throughout the southeastern United States.