Florida Strangler Fig
Ficus aurea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–720" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
FL
Pollinators
wasps, beetles
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.
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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Florida Strangler Fig fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.