Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is a climbing vine often used to cover walls and structures with its dense, green foliage. Its ability to cling to surfaces makes it a popular choice for softening architectural lines or creating green walls. However, many property owners and gardeners question if this plant poses a threat to their homes and local ecosystems. This article explores creeping fig’s characteristics, invasiveness, and potential for damage.
What is Creeping Fig
Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is an evergreen woody climber in the mulberry family (Moraceae). Native to central and southern China and eastern Asia, it is also known as climbing fig or creeping ficus. The plant has two leaf forms: small, heart-shaped juvenile leaves that cling to surfaces, and larger, thicker mature leaves that extend outwards. It attaches to surfaces using clusters of short, adhesive aerial roots. Its sap can cause skin irritation.
Why Creeping Fig Is Invasive
Creeping fig is invasive in many regions due to its aggressive growth and tenacious clinging. It grows rapidly, climbing 8 to 15 feet high and spreading 3 to 6 feet wide, quickly covering walls, fences, and other plants. Its aerial rootlets secrete a rubbery substance that hardens, forming a strong bond with surfaces.
This strong adhesion and dense growth allow it to outcompete and smother other vegetation by blocking sunlight. While it needs a specific pollinator wasp for seeds in its native range, it reproduces readily through fragmentation. Its adaptability to diverse conditions, including drought and shade, helps it establish and spread in new environments.
Damages Caused by Creeping Fig
Creeping fig can cause significant physical damage to structures. Its small, adhesive roots penetrate minute cracks in materials like wood, brick, mortar, stucco, and concrete. As roots expand, they widen these cracks, compromising structural integrity. This can lead to lifted paint, damaged siding, and even foundational issues.
Beyond direct structural damage, the vine’s dense growth traps moisture against surfaces, fostering mold and mildew. The accumulated weight of a mature creeping fig, especially when wet, can strain structures, loosening fittings or causing elements to shift. Its stems can also clog gutters and downspouts, leading to water overflow and moisture issues.
Managing Creeping Fig and Safer Alternatives
Managing and removing established creeping fig is challenging due to its tenacious root system and rapid regrowth. Cutting vines at the base and letting them dry for about a week can aid removal, as dehydrated vines are less likely to snap. Manual removal requires effort, as adhesive root remnants cling to surfaces. Herbicides applied to freshly cut stems can prevent regrowth, but require caution and proper application.
For wall-covering plants without these risks, several non-invasive alternatives exist. Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) offers fragrant white flowers and an evergreen habit, suitable for climbing on supports. Other options include coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) and crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), which are native alternatives in some regions. The ‘Oak Leaf Creeping Fig’ (Ficus pumila var. quercifolia) is a slower-growing variety, though it remains the same species.