How Hardy Are Paw-Paws?

Hello Michael!  I haven't taken time to research a paw paw tree.  Hardy in Iowa?  Just moved to an acreage and am trying to implement permaculture into our landscape.  Any fruit trees would be welcome.  I'll do my research - in the meantime, yes to Iowa and it's frigid winters??

Michele Sundholm wrote:Hello Michael!  I haven't taken time to research a paw paw tree.  Hardy in Iowa?  Just moved to an acreage and am trying to implement permaculture into our landscape.  Any fruit trees would be welcome.  I'll do my research - in the meantime, yes to Iowa and it's frigid winters??

Definitely! Most cultivars are listed as hardy to Zone 5, and the species is native to Iowa as well. I'm hoping to plant a couple in my urban lot in Minneapolis (hello from your northern neighbor!).

I do wonder if paw paws, being understory trees, might be susceptible to some of the common causes of winter damage, like sun scald and desiccating wind. Probably best to give them a protected microclimate if you can. Maybe Michael's book talks about some of this! I think I'll grab a copy; good first-hand information on paw paw cultivation is a little hard to find.