Pawpaw (Shenandoah)

Description

Shenandoah is a Neal Peterson pawpaw selection grown for high eating quality and a notably fleshy fruit. It’s one of the better-known named pawpaws for growers who want a smooth, clean experience rather than a wild, variable one. When fully ripe, the flesh turns succulent and custardy, with sweet tropical notes often compared to banana and mango.

A key part of its appeal is the flesh-to-seed balance—Shenandoah is frequently cited around the 6–7% seed range by weight, which translates to more usable pulp per fruit. Shenandoah ripens mid-season within pawpaw varieties and has earned a reputation for consistency when grown with good sun exposure, intact roots at planting, and a compatible pollination partner nearby.

Overview

• Named pawpaw cultivar selected for eating quality and fleshiness
• Succulent, custard-like texture at full ripeness
• Mid-season within pawpaw varieties; late summer to early fall depending on region
• Low seed percentage by weight compared to many pawpaws
• Requires cross-pollination for consistent fruit set

Growing Details

Latin Name: Asimina triloba ’Shenandoah’Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soilChill Requirement: Not typically expressed in chill hours for pawpaws; best performance in temperate regions with warm summersHardiness: USDA Zone 5–8Rootstock: Grafted onto pawpaw rootstockBearing Age: 3–5 years after plantingSize at Maturity: Typically 15–25 ft tall and wide; can be maintained smaller with pruningBloom Time: Mid-springRipening Time: Mid-season within pawpaw varieties; late summer into early fall (varies by region)Fruit Weight: Up to ~16 oz (reported). More commonly ~5–8 oz per fruit (varies by site, crop load, and season)Seed Content: Approximately ~6–7% by weight (varies by season)Texture Class: Succulent, custardy; medium-firm and creamy at full ripenessPollination: Pollination required; plant a genetically distinct pawpaw within 20–30 feetPests & Diseases: Generally low disease pressure under good airflow and moisture managementYield: Moderate to good once established with proper pollination

Additional Notes

• Grower’s Insight: Shenandoah is often chosen for its pulp payoff—low seed content and a smooth texture make it especially satisfying once fruit reaches full softness.
• Regional Insight: In cool-summer regions like the Puget Sound, prioritize maximum sun exposure to support steady establishment and fruit sizing.
• Harvest fruit only when fully ripe; underripe pawpaws will not develop full texture or flavor.
• Fruit is delicate and highly perishable—handle gently and plan to use soon after harvest.
• Explore more pawpaw varieties in our collection: Pawpaw Trees