Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis)
First place champion Chinese pistache in Palisade.
Species info:
Leaves: Alternate, compound, evenly pinnate with 10–12 leaflets; each leaflet ~3 inches long. Summer foliage is dark, glossy green; turns vivid orange to red in fall.
Leaflets: Narrowly lanceolate; smooth-edged; arranged opposite each other along the rachis.
Leaf Surface: Glossy and smooth above; slightly lighter below.
Bark: Develops shallow furrows; ridges become scaly and gray to gray-black. As the bark exfoliates, it reveals a salmon to orange inner bark—highly ornamental.
Flowers: Not showy; small greenish flowers in April–May. Male and female flowers occur on separate trees (dioecious).
Fruit: On female trees: clusters of pea-sized drupes that turn red (unfertilized) or blue/purple (fertilized). Attractive to birds; technically edible but seeds are too small for practical use.
Botanical: Pistacia chinensis
Family: Anacardiaceae (part of the Cashew family)
Mature Height: 25–35 feet
Canopy Spread: 25–35 feet
Foliage Type: Deciduous
Tree Shape: Spreading, umbrella-shaped crown; often awkward, lanky, or irregular when young but becomes a handsome, symmetrical specimen with maturity
Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year with good maintenance
Fall Color: Brilliant orange, red, or crimson; among the best fall color trees for warm climates
Water Use: Low to moderate; thrives in hot, dry climates and performs well with as little as 20 inches of annual precipitation
Hardiness: Zones 6–9
Soil Preference: Adaptable to a wide range—acidic, clay, and alkaline soils; does not tolerate poor drainage or winter-wet soils
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Wildlife Value: Female trees produce small fruits eaten by birds; flowers provide nectar for early pollinators
Pests/Pathogens: Highly resistant to most pests and diseases; excellent urban-tolerant species
Planting Recommendations: Not cold-hardy, may only be suitable for protected sites at lower elevations
Information Sources:
Michael A. Dirr. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. Stipes Publishing llc. 2009.
Texas A&M University Horticulture website (Texas Superstarts)
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension website
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture website.
