Pot Size: 3 gallon
Native Status: Non-Native
Description: ‘Brown Turkey’ fig is a multi-stemmed, woody, deciduous shrub with edible fruit in the mulberry family (Moraceae). This fig cultivar was bred to be more cold hardy than other fig cultivars and quickly grows to a mature size of 10 to 30 feet tall and wide. Grow figs in full sun in organically rich, well-drained, moist soils that are neutral to acidic. Figs do not tolerate alkaline soils. Light pruning each winter may be necessary to maintain an attractive shape. Flowers and fruit will appear on either old or new growth. Mulch roots to maintain moisture and especially in the fall to protect them throughout the winter. 'Brown Turkey' requires protection from winter temperatures below 10 degrees F.
Light Exposure: Full Sun Drought Tolerant: Yes
Soil Moisture: Moist – Occasionally dry Salt Tolerant: Yes
Mature Height: 10 – 30 ft Deer Resistant: Yes
Mature Width: 10 – 30 ft
Bloom Color/Bloom Time: Produces inconspicuous, small green flowers that bloom inside a hollow, pear-shaped receptacle in early spring. Small fruit ripens in July with purple bronze skin and pink pulp, tastes mild and sweet.
Historical Uses: Prized by early settlers in the American South, these figs were commonly dried, preserved in jars, and used in traditional cakes. Medicinally, the tree's latex was used for skin ailments, while the fruit served as a laxative.
Wildlife Values: The Brown Turkey fig (Ficus carica) provides high wildlife value, acting as a crucial food source for birds (blackbirds, starlings), mammals (bats, opossums), and insects (bees, wasps). Its two annual harvests of sweet, soft fruit attract diverse wildlife, while its broad foliage offers valuable shelter for small birds and insects.
👉 For more information visit NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Medicinal plants can have serious side effects and interactions with medications. Consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies, as you are responsible for your own health decisions.
Photo Credits:
1 - form in the fall in Moore County Susan Strine CC BY 2.0
2 - Fruit and leaves Doug McAbee CC BY-NC 2.0
Pot Size: 3 gallon
Native Status: Non-Native
Description: ‘Brown Turkey’ fig is a multi-stemmed, woody, deciduous shrub with edible fruit in the mulberry family (Moraceae). This fig cultivar was bred to be more cold hardy than other fig cultivars and quickly grows to a mature size of 10 to 30 feet tall and wide. Grow figs in full sun in organically rich, well-drained, moist soils that are neutral to acidic. Figs do not tolerate alkaline soils. Light pruning each winter may be necessary to maintain an attractive shape. Flowers and fruit will appear on either old or new growth. Mulch roots to maintain moisture and especially in the fall to protect them throughout the winter. 'Brown Turkey' requires protection from winter temperatures below 10 degrees F.
Light Exposure: Full Sun Drought Tolerant: Yes
Soil Moisture: Moist – Occasionally dry Salt Tolerant: Yes
Mature Height: 10 – 30 ft Deer Resistant: Yes
Mature Width: 10 – 30 ft
Bloom Color/Bloom Time: Produces inconspicuous, small green flowers that bloom inside a hollow, pear-shaped receptacle in early spring. Small fruit ripens in July with purple bronze skin and pink pulp, tastes mild and sweet.
Historical Uses: Prized by early settlers in the American South, these figs were commonly dried, preserved in jars, and used in traditional cakes. Medicinally, the tree's latex was used for skin ailments, while the fruit served as a laxative.
Wildlife Values: The Brown Turkey fig (Ficus carica) provides high wildlife value, acting as a crucial food source for birds (blackbirds, starlings), mammals (bats, opossums), and insects (bees, wasps). Its two annual harvests of sweet, soft fruit attract diverse wildlife, while its broad foliage offers valuable shelter for small birds and insects.
👉 For more information visit NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Medicinal plants can have serious side effects and interactions with medications. Consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies, as you are responsible for your own health decisions.
Photo Credits:
1 - form in the fall in Moore County Susan Strine CC BY 2.0
2 - Fruit and leaves Doug McAbee CC BY-NC 2.0
