# Peepal (Ficus religiosa)

> The sacred fig of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, a spreading tree of about 20 m with a trunk 1.5 to 2 m across and heart-shaped leaves on long stalks that tremble in the slightest breeze. It begins life as an epiphyte and will root into walls, bridges and temple masonry, so it is cherished but also cracks foundations and pavements. Planted at temples, village squares and roadsides across South Asia and lopped for fodder.

Source: https://treerm.org/trees/ficus-religiosa · Updated 2026-11-08 · License CC BY 4.0

## Facts

- Also called: Pipal, Sacred fig, Bo tree, Bodhi tree, Ashvattha
- Family: Moraceae
- Type: Broadleaf, drops leaves
- Mature height: 20 m; spread 20 m
- Growth: Fast growing; lives about 500 years
- USDA hardiness zones: 10 to 12
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Moderate water
- Soil: Deep alluvial sandy loam with good drainage, but grows in rock crevices, walls and shallow soil
- Native range: Native to the Indian subcontinent (India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh), Myanmar and Malaya; planted and naturalised across tropical Asia and beyond.

**Benefits:** Shade, Birds, Wildlife, Long lived, Fast canopy

**Good for:** parks, Yard shade, Street tree

**Watch out for:** Large roots, Surface roots, Heavy litter

## Care

Plant only where its roots can spread freely, well away from buildings and pipes; it is near impossible to remove once established in masonry. Water the first season; it needs little afterwards. Pollard or lop in the dry season if grown for fodder. Few serious pests apart from leaf galls and scale.

## Where it stands

- **Native:** Bangladesh; India (Planted in every state; sacred); Myanmar (Burma); Nepal; Pakistan
- **Adapted:** Sri Lanka (Introduced (the Sri Maha Bodhi at Anuradhapura) per WCVP); Thailand (Introduced per WCVP); FL, United States (Introduced per WCVP; not on the FISC list)

## Sources

- https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=18111
- https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Ficus_religiosa.PDF
- https://www.gbif.org/species/5361935
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282754