Rappahannock Pawpaw®

Click here for Pawpaw Care Guide

Asimina triloba ‘Rappahannock’ Pawpaw

‘Rappahannock’ is a superior pawpaw selection known for its excellent fruit quality, high yields, and ease of harvest. The fruit is easier to spot among the foliage due to the tree’s distinct horizontal leaf habit and the tendency of the fruit to develop noticeable color when ripe.

This variety produces large, attractive, and symmetrical fruits, whether borne singly or in clusters. The flesh is firm, very sweet, and refreshing, with very few seeds (approximately 3%), making it a standout for fresh eating. ‘Rappahannock’ originated as a seedling from the Blandy Experimental Farm collection and is known for its vigorous growth and consistent production.

Trademarked by Peterson Pawpaws.

Key Features

• Firm flesh
• Good yields
• Very low seed content (~3%)
• Sweet, refreshing flavor
• Uniform, well-shaped fruit
• Earlier harvest with visible color change
• Easier picking due to leaf structure

Plant Characteristics

• Pollination: Not self-fertile – requires another pawpaw variety
• Pest Resistance: Excellent
• Disease Resistance: Excellent
• Drought Tolerance: Very Good
• Heat Tolerance: Excellent
• Humidity Tolerance: Excellent
• Sun Tolerance: Excellent
• Wet Soil Tolerance: Good
• Shade Tolerance: Very Good
• No Spray: Excellent
• Salt Tolerance: Poor
• Fresh for Kids: Very Good
• Deer Resistance: Good
• Thorns: No
• Plant Type: Tree
• Soil Type: Adaptable
• Edible Type: Fruit

This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Comments and opinions are always welcome.