Family
Moraceae
Botanical Name
FICUS benjamina 'Emerald Green'
Plant Common Name
Emerald Green Fig, Weeping Fig
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Weeping fig is a very large evergreen tree native to the tropical areas of India, Asia, Australia, and Malaysia. It is typically grown as a large tree, shrub or houseplant. The inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by small fruit that may be orange, pink, or red. A very small, non-stinging wasp is required for pollination and fertile fruit. The simple dark green leaves are glossy and attractive.
Planted in warm, frost-free climates the weeping fig becomes a huge tree with invasive ground roots and spreading aerial branches. It is only suitable for very large gardens and parks. Weeping fig is also used extensively as a hedge. Wherever planted as a hedge or tree, weeping fig roots can invade water lines and lift pavement. In hurricane prone zones, weeping fig is very susceptible to falling during a storm. The pollinating wasp for weeping fig has not been found in the United States yet, but is on some Pacific Islands where weeping fig is now invading by seed.
A beautiful interior plant, weeping fig requires well-drained soil, even moisture and moderate to high light conditions. If a weeping fig is to be used as an interior specimen, be sure the plant is acclimatized which means the grower has subjected it to interior-like growing conditions before shipping to avoid shock. The most common complaint about weeping fig houseplants is dropped foliage. Any change in environment, light, temperature, location, even the heating or air conditioning coming on, causes weeping figs to drop their leaves. The good news is the leaves are quickly replaced and will stay put if conditions are corrected.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 13, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
80'-200' / 24.4m - 61.0m
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Width
100'-125' / 30.5m - 38.1m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Southern Asia, Southeastern Asia, India, Melanesia, Australia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution
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Growth Rate
Very Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Thicket/Colonizing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Red, Green, Pink, Orange Red, Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Slate Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Hedges, Houseplant, Screening / Wind Break, Shade Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Yes
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes