Species Chinese pistache
compound pinnate, smooth, orange-red leaflets and smooth, grey-brown branches

Chinese pistache

Pistacia chinensis

Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis) is an attractive deciduous tree native to central and western China. It grows up to 30 feet tall with a rounded crown and a spread of 25 feet wide. It features glossy, dense foliage that turns a brilliant, vibrant orange-red to burgundy in fall. The tree also produces long, elegant panicles of insignificant yellow-green flowers in spring, making it a pleasing addition to an outdoor landscape. The dark, glossy green leaves are great for providing summer shade and producing stunning fall foliage. Chinese Pistache is an ideal and low-maintenance choice for a yard or garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

red,orange Fruits Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Chinese pistache needs moderate amounts of water, with regular watering during growth and established periods of drought stress during the winter months. During the growing season, water regularly (about once a week) to keep the soil moist but not soggy. In the winter months, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.

sunlight

Chinese pistache trees enjoy full sun and prefer at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It should be noted that younger trees can experience leaf scorch in excessively hot or dry conditions so some afternoon shade may be beneficial. In USDA zones 8 and 9, the plants may require some shade during the hottest part of day during the peak summer months. In colder regions (zones 4-7), the trees should receive full sun to allow them to harden off for winter. Regardless of zone, the trees require ample sunshine for proper growth and development.

pruning

Pruning of Chinese pistache trees should be done in late winter or early spring, while the tree is still dormant. Prune the tree to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and prune to maintain the desired shape of the tree. Remove any branches that grow in an undesirable direction or towards the centre of the tree. This will both lighten the canopy of the tree and improve the air circulation, which will help to prevent disease. Once pruning is complete, provide the tree with a slow release fertilizer and a layer of mulch.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The Chinese pistache tree typically begins to bear fruit in late summer or early fall, usually in September or October.

Starts Flowering

Chinese pistache typically start flowering in April.

Hardiness Map