Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree) Ficus religiosa
Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree) (Ficus religiosa) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Moraceae family, native to Indian subcontinent and Indochina. It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 15–25 m (49–82 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 20 m (66 ft) apart.
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Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Moraceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 m (49–82 ft) |
| Spacing | 20 m (66 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Indian subcontinent and Indochina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
Is Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: milky sap
Latex irritates skin and mouth, as in other figs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree)
- How far apart should I plant Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree)?
- About 20 m (66 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 m (49–82 ft).
- Does Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- Is Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Latex irritates skin and mouth, as in other figs.
- What grows well with Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- India Biodiversity Portal (species pages), India Biodiversity Portal
Notes and assumptions
- Heart-shaped leaves with a long drip tip; the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Roots break pavements and walls: plant well away from buildings.
- Pollinated only by its specific fig wasp.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Common fig Ficus carica
- White mulberry Morus alba
- Rubber fig Ficus elastica
- Chinese banyan Ficus microcarpa
- Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus
- Indian banyan Ficus benghalensis
- Sycamore fig Ficus sycomorus
- Moreton Bay fig Ficus macrophylla