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Scientific Name
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Pistacia chinensis |
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Foliage: Deciduous
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Leaves: It has pinnately compound leaves (resembling a large feather) with 10–16 leaflets. The foliage is a lush, dark green during the summer and is virtually pest-free. Often considered the best fall color for the South. It turns shades of brilliant orange, glowing yellow, and fiery red, often all on the same tree at once.
Bark: As the tree ages, the grey-brown bark begins to peel or "exfoliate" in small patches, revealing a surprising bright orange inner bark underneath.
Flowers/Fruit: The tree is dioecious (meaning there are separate male and female trees). In the spring, they produce inconspicuous flowers. In the fall, female trees produce clusters of small, round berries that turn from green to bright red and turquoise-blue. (Note: The fruit is inedible for humans!)
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Mature Height
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30-50 feet |
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Mature Width (Spread)
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30-40 feet |
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Growth Rate
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Moderate (Slow when young, accelerating once established) |
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USDA Zone
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6-9 |
Plant Care & Characteristics
Light Requirements: Full Sun. This tree requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight. It will not develop its famous symmetrical canopy or its vibrant fall colors if grown in the shade.
Water Requirements: Low to Moderate. It needs regular deep watering during its first 2–3 years. Once the deep taproot is established, it is very water-efficient. Chinese Pistache trees benefit from regular watering during periods of drought.
Drought Resistance: Moderate to High. It is exceptionally heat and drought-tolerant, making it a favorite for "hellstrips" (the area between the sidewalk and the street) and parking lot islands. They are relatively drought-tolerant once established and can survive with minimal irrigation in their native habitats.
Soil Type: Highly Adaptable. It is not picky about soil pH and will grow in heavy clay, sandy soil, or rocky limestone. It is also very tolerant of urban pollutants and compacted soill. As long as the soil is well-drained, they are tolerant of alkaline soil conditions and can grow in soils with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Deer Resistance: High. Deer generally do not find the foliage palatable.
Maintenance: Because this tree can be a bit awkward in its first few years, it is highly recommended to have a professional structural pruning done when the tree is young. This ensures it develops a strong central leader and the balanced, rounded crown it is famous for. Once established, Chinese Pistache trees are relatively low-maintenance but benefit from regular pruning to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches and to maintain a strong and attractive form. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Chinese Pistache trees are relatively pest and disease resistant but may occasionally be affected by issues such as aphids, scale insects, or powdery mildew. These problems can usually be managed with proper cultural practices, such as providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
