🌿 The Tree That Saves a Rare Butterfly 🦋 | Pawpaw Secrets #RarePollinators

Hey guys, it's Bailey with Tia Nursery, and I want to show y'all our pawpaws today and give you some cool facts about them. Uh, it's the only host plant for the zebra swallowtail butterfly. It supports the entire life cycle of this rare butterfly. Without pawpaws, zebra swallowtails could not survive. The flowers are pollinated by flies and beetles, not bees or butterflies. They provide nectar and habitat for less common pollinators. They're critical in native woodland ecosystems. They help support and sustain biodiversity. They act as a keystone plant for rare insect species. Their unique pollinators ensure genetic diversity in the trees. It's the largest native fruiting tree in North America. The fruits can get up to half a foot long. It's nicknamed the Indian banana for its tropical taste. The fruit tastes like a mix of mango, banana, and vanilla custard. The seeds are large and were once used as pieces for a game by Native Americans. The pawpaw leaves contain a compound that is toxic to most insects except the zebra swallowtail. Pawpaw extract has been used as a natural pesticide. Early settler— settlers made pawpaw fruit into puddings, pies, and beer. Pawpaw trees spread through underground runners, forming natural colonies. George Washington's favorite dessert was chilled pawpaw fruit. Thomas Jefferson grew pawpaws in his garden. Pawpaw seeds were carried to the west by Lewis and Clark on their expedition. Pawpaw extract has been used for anti-cancer properties. Here at TN Nursery, you can get your own pawpaw tree shipped straight to your door. I'll put you a promo code at the bottom of this post.