Florida Strangler Fig
Ficus aurea
Last reviewed: August 2026
Florida Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea) is a perennial tree native to FL. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw wasps and beetles.
Toxicity unknown
Florida Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–720" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
FL
Pollinators
wasps, beetles
Before you buy
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The strangler fig is a massive native tree that can reach 60 feet tall with an equally wide canopy. It produces small fig fruits and has distinctive aerial roots that can create dramatic buttressed trunks over time. This is a specimen tree that requires significant space and long-term planning.
Growing Florida Strangler Fig
Grow Florida Strangler Fig in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 720 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Florida Strangler Fig takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely large mature size inappropriate for most residential lots
- Aerial roots and buttressing can appear messy or uncontrolled
- May damage structures, sidewalks, or utilities with aggressive root system
Wildlife value
Host plant for fig sphinx moth.
Supports specialized fig wasps and beetles during its spring blooming period. The fruits provide food for birds and other wildlife throughout the year.
Common questions
- How much sun does Florida Strangler Fig need?
- Florida Strangler Fig grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Florida Strangler Fig bloom?
- Florida Strangler Fig blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Florida Strangler Fig native?
- Florida Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea) is native to FL, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Florida Strangler Fig host?
- Florida Strangler Fig is a larval host plant for fig sphinx moth.
- Is Florida Strangler Fig HOA-friendly?
- Florida Strangler Fig takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Florida Strangler Fig? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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