Is any one out there growing paw paw. I am curious and may purchase it to be a host for caterpillars.
Paw Paw
We have two dwarf pawpaw seedlings growing. Both are about 12" tall and have leaves. We purchased the seedlings from Mail Order Natives in Florida in March. Hopefully, both will continue to grow this season and survive the winter. It would be nice to see some Zebra Swallowtail larvae feasting on them next season.
I am growing a few in my yard and have had success with them as a host.
I have 2 large paw paw trees (25 feet tall) on the edge of our woods. And I bought ten 12 inch starter saplings from ebay seller dogwooderitternet . I planted the little saplings in similar circumstances as the large trees and they seem to be pretty happy. I have been giving them extra water this spring and part shade and they are up to about 2 to 3 feet tall now. I have since found four more small paw paws hidden in the wild roses and I've tried to rescue them from the overgrowth so that they can thrive too.
I planted the paw paws for host plants for the Zebra Swallowtails. We always have a nice show of Zebra Swallowtails early in the spring and then another flight later. Of course, I would like more!
I do not grow paw paws for the fruit and haven't seen any on ours (I think you probably have to have male/female combinations) but I know some people make jam from the fruit.
dogwooderitternet stocks lots of hard to find butterfly and hummingbird plants and you can find him by searching his name on ebay. Many butterfly and hummer gardening enthusiasts buy from him. Small plants, but well rooted and good prices, and good service.