Ficus johannis ssp. afghanistanica

The Afghan Fig is a vigorous, hardy large shrub or small tree that is native to the mountainous regions of northern India and western Iran and Afghanistan. Drought, heat, and cold tolerant, the Afghan fig is a versatile performer that will add an exotic touch to a sunny position. Plants produce dark and sweet edible figs that are smaller than those of the common fig, but which may require pollination by a fig wasp to form.

While closely related to the common fig, Ficus carica, this plant has small, silver colored, lacey leaves. The bark has a reddish hue unlike the chalky white bark we’re accustomed to and has a tendency to grow as a multi-stemmed shrub. For live plants we offer the selections ‘Silver Lyre’ and ‘Ice Crystal’. Our seeds are imported from Iran and seedlings will show high variation in the lobe depth of the leaves between plants.

Cold hardy to USDA zone 7a and above, or to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.