Ficus carica

Ficus carica_Fig_ JM Di Tomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Common names: edible fig

Ficus carica (edible fig) is a small tree (family Moraceae) that is native to the Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia that has been grown since ancient times as a food source and an ornamental. Plants are deciduous, with large leaves that have 3-5 lobes and stems with smooth, white/grey bark, and fruits that are soft when ripe with a sweet, red interior.  Edible fig can form dense thickets that smother native vegetation and seeds are easily dispersed via animals and along waterways. Research is underway to determine which cultivars of fig can become invasive.

Cal-IPC Rating: Moderate?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Ficus carica Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Ficus carica_latex on cut stem_RonVanderhoff
    Ficus carica (edible fig) latex on cut stem. Photo: Ron Vanderhoff
    Ficus-carica_leaf-front-and-back_RonVanderhoff
    Ficus carica (edible fig) leaf (front and back). Photo: Ron Vanderhoff