Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

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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) leaves

Columbus Co., NC 9/28/2013.

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

Odd little fleshy-looking flowers are produced in mid-late April. They start off yellowish-green then turn fleshy-maroonish with age.

Orange Co., NC 4/15/2012.

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

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)

Durham Co., NC 4/27/02.

Smallflower Pawpaw (Asimina parviflora)

Durham, NC 5/17/08.

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.