Chinese Pistache
Pistacia chinensis · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Anacardiaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Ornamental, Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9; heat tolerant and adaptable to varying climates ranging from cold winters to hot, dry summers.
About This Tree
A medium-sized deciduous tree with a dense, rounded to oval crown. It features a spreading habit and moderate growth rate, becoming more symmetrical with age. Known for its spectacular autumn foliage and extreme durability in urban environments.
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound leaves, 10-15 inches long with 10-16 leaflets. Leaflets are lanceolate, medium green, and turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow in autumn. Arrangement is alternate with entire margins and a fine texture.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown bark that is fissured and develops shallow furrows with age. As it matures, the outer bark often peels back to reveal a distinctive salmon-pink or orange inner bark layer underneath.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to China, Taiwan, and the Philippines; highly adapted to the Southern United States and California
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring; flowers in April; produces fruit in autumn; enters dormancy in winter after exceptional fall color display
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun is required for best growth and fall color. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soil, though it is adaptable to various soil types.
Mature Size
Reaches a height of 25-35 feet with a similar spread of 25-30 feet. Lifespan is typically 50 to 150 years.
Special Characteristics
Excellent resistance to pests and diseases (including Verticillium wilt). Notable for its intense fall color, fire resistance, and tolerance to urban pollutants and poor soil conditions.
Wildlife & Ecology
Female trees produce small, spherical red drupes that turn blue-purple in winter, providing a food source for birds such as robins and cedar waxwings. Non-invasive and provides good nesting canopy for local bird species.