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 soil
Chill Requirement: Not typically expressed in chill hours for pawpaws; best performance in temperate regions with warm summers
Hardiness: USDA Zone 5–8
Rootstock: Grafted onto pawpaw rootstock
Bearing Age: 3–5 years after planting
Size at Maturity: Typically 15–25 ft tall and wide; can be maintained smaller with pruning
Bloom Time: Mid-spring
Ripening 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 ripeness
Pollination: Pollination required; plant a genetically distinct pawpaw within 20–30 feet
Pests & Diseases: Generally low disease pressure under good airflow and moisture management
Yield: 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
