Nothing on it except leaves: Mark notes that "it was not the season for figs" (see Mark 11:13). It was spring, just before Passover. Figs start growing in spring but ripen in fall.
immediately the tree withered: Matthew seems to have shortened the story (compare Matthew 21:18–22; Mark 11:13–14, 20–23). The cursing of the fig tree symbolizes God's judgment on Israel for rejecting the Messiah (see Matt 3:9; 8:11–12). The Israelites are like a fig tree that looks promising but has no fruit. This was especially true of the hypocritical leaders. They did not bear fruit, symbolic of receiving the Messiah (see 21:33–46).