Pittsburghers are preserving pawpaw trees

Pittsburghers are preserving pawpaw trees

The deciduous tree bears North America's largest native fruit and supports the zebra swallowtail butterfly — a species that has all but disappeared from the Pittsburgh region.

Pittsburghers preserving pawpaw trees, some hope it will lead to more zebra swallowtail butterflies

On a wooded hillside along the banks of the Allegheny River, Gabrielle Marsden brushed up against an oblong leaf: Asimina triloba. The American pawpaw.

Pittsburghers Preserving Pawpaw Trees, Some Hope It Will Lead to More Zebra Swallowtail Butterflies