Other Names:  Mulberry Fig

Description:

A large, spreading, semi-deciduous tree with a dense crown; producing exceptional sweet fruits ripening from yellow to red in thick clusters; attracts birds; prune in late winter to maintain size and shape; will take some light frost

Edible Qualities

Sycamore Fig is a large tree that is commonly grown for its edible qualities, although it does have ornamental merits as well. It produces yellow fruit (technically 'pomes') with a scarlet blush and gold flesh which are typically harvested when mature. The fruits have a sweet taste.

The fruit are most often used in the following ways:

• Fresh Eating
• Cooking
• Baking
• Preserves
• Drying

Features & Attributes

Sycamore Fig has attractive dark green foliage with yellow veins on a tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. The heart-shaped leaves are highly ornamental but do not develop any appreciable fall color. The fruits are showy yellow pomes with a scarlet blush, which are carried in abundance from early summer to late fall. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up. The peeling chartreuse bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

This is a multi-stemmed deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Sycamore Fig is sutiable for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Hedges/Screening
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts
• Orchard/Edible Landscaping

Planting & Growing

Sycamore Fig will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 60 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree is quite ornamental as well as edible, and is as much at home in a landscape or flower garden as it is in a designated edibles garden. It does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America.