Life Span
Perennial
Annual and Perennial
Origin
North America, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Texas, Canada
Mexico, Central America
Types
-
Male Papaya Tree, Female Papaya Tree, hermaphrodite Tree
Habitat
Dappled Shade, Sunny Edge, Woodland Garden Canopy
tropical environments, Tropical regions
USDA Hardiness Zone
3-9
10-15
Sunset Zone
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
H1, H2, 21, 23, 24
Habit
Oval or Rounded
Upright/Erect
Flower Color
Yellow green, Chartreuse
Ivory
Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
Bicolor
Fruit Color
Green, Indigo, Black
Green, Orange, Light Yellow
Leaf Color in Spring
Green
Dark Green
Leaf Color in Summer
Green
Dark Green
Leaf Color in Fall
Yellow, Red, Orange, Yellow green, Bronze, Orange Red
Dark Green
Leaf Color in Winter
-
Light Green
Leaf Shape
Ovate
Irregular
Plant Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Sunlight
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate
Fast
Very Fast
Type of Soil
Clay, Loam, Sand
Loam, Sand, Well drained
The pH of Soil
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Acidic, Neutral
Soil Drainage
Average
Well drained
Bloom Time
Spring
Indeterminate
Where to Plant?
Ground
Ground
How to Plant?
Seedlings
Seedlings
Plant Maintenance
Medium
Medium
Watering Requirements
Average Water Needs, Do Not over Water
Average Water Needs, Do Not over Water, Do not water frequently, Requires watering in the growing season
In Summer
Lots of watering
Lots of watering
In Spring
Moderate
Moderate
In Winter
Average Water
Average Water
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Acidic, Neutral
Soil Type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Loam, Sand
Soil Drainage Capacity
Average
Well drained
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial shade
Pruning
Remove damaged leaves, Remove dead branches, Remove dead leaves
Remove damaged leaves, Remove dead branches, Remove dead leaves, Remove shoots, Remove short branches, Remove short twigs, Requires little pruning
Fertilizers
Nitrogen, Phosphorous
14-14-14 Fertilizer
Pests and Diseases
Foliage diseases
Red blotch
Plant Tolerance
Drought
Drought
Flowers
Insignificant
Yes
Flower Petal Number
Single
Single
Fragrant Bark/Stem
Yes
No
Foliage Texture
Medium
Bold
Foliage Sheen
Matte
Glossy
Attracts
Insects
Ants, Bees, Hummingbirds
Allergy
Dermatitis, Diaphoresis
Asthma, breathing problems, Itchiness, Itchy eyes, Red eyes, Runny nose, sneezing, Sore eyes, Swelling, Watery eyes, wheezing
Beauty Benefits
Skin Problems
Good for skin, Good for skin and hair, Improve hair condition, Making cosmetics
Environmental Uses
Air purification
Air purification
Medicinal Uses
Alterative, Anodyne, Antirheumatic, Antiseptic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic
Asthma, Bone strength, Cancer, Diabetes, Digestion problems, Heart problems, Inflammation, Skin Disorders
Part of Plant Used
Leaves
Fruits, Seeds
Other Uses
Used as a condiment, Used in making tea, Used to flavour soups
Cosmetics, Making Shampoo, Used As Food, Used for its medicinal properties
Used As Indoor Plant
No
No
Used As Outdoor Plant
Yes
Yes
Garden Design
Shade Trees, Street Trees
Container, Edible, Feature Plant, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Tropical
Botanical Name
SASSAFRAS albidum
CARICA papaya
Common Name
Sassafras
Papaya
In German
Sassafras
Papaya
In French
Sassafras
Papaye
In Spanish
Sasafrás
Papaya
In Portuguese
sassafrás
Mamão
In Polish
Sassafras
Papaja
In Latin
Sassafras
Papaya
Phylum
Magnoliophyta
Magnoliophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Magnoliopsida
Order
Laurales
Brassicales
Family
Lauraceae
Caricaceae
Clade
Angiosperms, Magnoliids
Angiosperms, Eudicots, Rosids