Chinese Pistache, Pistacia chinensis
ID
HORT-8NP
Summary
Foliage: About 10 inches long; alternate, pinnately compound leaves; deciduous
Height: About 30 feet Spread: About 30 feet Shape: Oval-round to round
Main Features
Chinese pistache is a medium-size shade tree. It is quite tolerant of full sun, hot, and dry conditions (once established). This species has separate male and female plants (dioecious); female plants (if male trees are present) will produce clusters of reddish pea-size fruit that are somewhat attractive. A major claim to fame is the relatively long-lasting very showy orange- red fall foliage color. Fall foliage color will vary from tree to tree. This species is marginally hardy in zone 6a (winter temperatures less than minus 5 degrees F) but is well suited to the heat of the southern US.
Plant Needs Zone: 6b to 9 Light: Full sun
Moisture: Average to dry
Soil type: Most soils
pH range: Acid to alkaline
Functions
Chinese pistache is a medium shade tree suitable for sites that have less than ideal growing conditions.
Care
Young trees tend to have an irregular branch structure that gives trees an irregular appearance, but this trait is not evident when trees mature; pruning young trees to develop a good branch structure will improve the future appearance. Chinese pistache has no major pest problems.
Additional Information
There are very few cultivars in the trade. Chinese pistache is related to the edible pistachio tree species (Pistacio vera).
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Publication Date
March 7, 2024
