Shortleaf Fig, Wild Banyan Tree

This is the only other spp. of ficus native to Florida and the U.S. other than Ficus aurea (Strangler Fig or Golden Fig). This spp., Ficu...Read Mores citrifolia, is native to the tropical hammocks and similar habitats with sunlight in southern Florida, in Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe (including the Keys) and Collier counties, zones 10a south through 11. It is more restricted in distribution and more southernly than the more hardy, also native, Ficus aurea (Strangler Fig), as Ficus citrifolia (this spp.) is more cold-sensitive than Ficus aurea, and is restricted to far southern Florida and the Keys. The only population of this plant recorded in central Florida is in Hillsborough County, zone 9a/9b. This spp. also has larger berries (figs) than Ficus aurea. However, it is native like Ficus aurea and is just as useful for wildlife. It is usually not as tall as Ficus aurea can get, and is usually about 30 to 40 or 45 feet high, while Ficus aurea can get up to 50 feet high in similar habitats. It is also nice for landscaping in a large yard with enough room. It is a superb native ficus like Ficus aurea, and since it may not always be as huge as Ficus aurea, it may work for a slightly smaller yard than required for Ficus aurea. Still, space is required!

MORE FACTS - Good for zones 10a through 11, relatively frost-free zones. In the U.S., works best in far southern Florida and the Keys, where it is native; it may also work for far southern areas of coastal and inland far southern California. This tree also grows in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The berries (figs) are reddish or red when ripe. The figs also are larger than those of the one other spp. also native to the U.S. in central and southern Florida, the Strangler or Golden Fig (Ficus aurea). The berries and leaves and branches are great food and shelter for wildlife!

Moderate to fast growth rate
Low salt tolerance
Low salt wind tolerance