Ficus carica L.

Common Fig; Edible Fig; Garden Fig

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Common Fig is an introduced deciduous shrub in the Mulberry family (Moraceae). It is native to the Middle East and western Asia. In Alabama, it can be found statewide. It is commonly cultivated and persists around old home sites, in pastures, and along fence rows. It is a multi-trunked shrub reaching 15-20 feet in height. The bark is smooth and dark gray in color. Leaves are alternate, clustered towards the tips of branches, ovate to obovate in outline, and 3-5 lobed. The margins are undulate to irregularly toothed. Both surfaces are pubescent and rough to the touch. All parts of the plant release a white, milky sap when damaged. The sap is an irritant to many people, and you should avoid contact with it on your skin. Flowers are produced on the inside of a fleshy, hollow, receptacle known as a syconium. The syconia are solitary on short stalks. The syconia are oval to pear shaped with an opening at the apex called an ostiole. The male flowers are sessile or stalked with 2-6 sepals and 1-2 stamens. The female flowers are sessile. The fruit is an achene that remains embedded within the syconia. The common varieties “Brown Turkey”, and “Celeste” have all female flowers that do not need pollination for the fig to develop. Common Fig is an important crop in many areas of the world. There are many varieties in cultivation, and most nurseries carry several. Common Fig prefers an organically rich, well-draining soil in full sun. Figs are often planted close to buildings on the south or west side for added protection form late freezes.--A. Diamond

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Not Native

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