Tree pawpaw leaves have a medium green upper surface and a lighter green lower surface. Leaves tend to droop, giving the tree a sleepy appearance.

Flowers are inconspicuous, maroon to purple in color and 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Pawpaws bloom in early May, just as leaves are developing.

Fruit are borne in clusters of one to six, depending on the success of pollination. Fruit size and shape vary greatly. Fruit is from 2 to 6 inches long and is elongated or rounded. Fruit contain numerous medium- to dark-brown seeds resembling elongated lima beans. Seed size varies from pea size to 1 1/4 inches long. Fruit have a very thin green skin, which turns yellowish-black when ripe, like an overripe banana. Fruit ripen from September until frost. After ripening, fruit soften and perish rapidly. The flesh has a rich, sweet custard consistency and a strong nutty banana flavor. Fruit are high in food value, with more than 430 calories per pound.

Pawpaws are relatively free of disease and insects compared to most cultivated fruits.

They do best on fertile, well-drained soils that are slightly acid, and they grow well in full sun or dense shade.