Chinese Pistache
Pistacia chinensis · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Anacardiaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree and Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Species type (often grown from seed, though cultivars like 'Keith Davey' exist for uniform form)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9, exhibiting good tolerance to summer heat and moderate cold
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree with a symmetrical, rounded to umbrella-shaped crown, moderate to fast growth rate, and dense foliage composed of pinnately compound leaves
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound leaves, alternate arrangement, typically featuring 10 to 12 lanceolate leaflets with smooth margins, medium green turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Light brown to gray bark, relatively smooth when young, developing shallow furrows and scaly ridges with age, sometimes exfoliating to reveal salmon-colored inner bark
Growing Information
Origin Region
Central and western China, well-adapted to temperate regions worldwide including the southern and western United States
Growing Season
Spring leaf-out following late winter or early spring flowers, developing vibrant fall foliage before dropping leaves for winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for best form and fall color, highly drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soils
Mature Size
Reaches 30 to 50 feet in height with an equal or slightly lesser spread, moderate growth rate, and a lifespan of 100 to 150 years
Special Characteristics
Exceptional resistance to pests and diseases, outstanding drought tolerance once established, brilliant autumn foliage color, and high tolerance to urban pollution
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides food for birds and small mammals via its small drupes that ripen from red to blue, and offers nesting cover within its dense canopy