While the trees are still small and not providing a lot of shade yet, a squash vine will be planted underneath to scramble around at the tree's feet. Later as the trees mature and shade the bed more, another type of edible plant will be chosen with shade tolerance. Another article in this series will talk about combining edibles and ornamentals in the landscape. The tree reaches 10 to 20 fee,t with two needed for pollination. Grafted trees will bear fruit in about 3 years.
Fruit tastes like a cross between vanilla custard and banana.
Although the fruit does not keep long it is worth growing. Substitute pawpaw fruit for banana in a banana bread recipe, or eat fresh. A Tropical Tree for the Temperate Zone complete with a pie recipe, history of the tree and cultural advice. Better Homes and Gardens features a few mouth watering pawpaw recipes and pointers on where to find more recipes. As a child growing up in southern Oregon, I remember all the fruit and nut trees growing in the neighborhood.