Edible Fig
Ficus carica
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Cyprus, Greece, Guam, Iran, Iraq, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
Trew, C.J
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Moraceae
- Genus:
- Ficus
- Species:
- Ficus carica
- USDA Symbol:
- FICA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
almond moth (Cadra cautella), Black Witch Moth (Ascalapha odorata), Carob moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae), Dried fruit moth (Cadra calidella), Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), Fig moth (Cadra figulilella), Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), Vitula serratilineella, White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma), ruddy daggerwing (Marpesia petreus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Mediterranean regions with hot, dry summers
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment; keep moist and warm.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)