Pistacia chinensis

Chinese pistachio is a deciduous, woody, perennial tree native to a wide swath of Asia, from Afghanistan to the Philippines. The genus name, Pistacia, is derived from the Persian-Greek word pistake, meaning “nut.” The epithet, chinensis, means “from China.” This tree is a member of the sumac family (Anacardiaceae). 

Tough as nails, drought-tolerant, easy to transplant, and pest-free are all terms used to describe the Chinese pistachio. This beautiful, medium-sized tree is perfect for both the home landscape and the urban environment. This tree prefers full sun and is adaptable to most soil and pH types. It is drought-, heat- and pollution-tolerant. It is long-lived and fire-resistant. 

An unattractive, almost gawky tree when young, the Chinese pistachio develops into an outstanding specimen tree with a rounded crown. At maturity, this tree will achieve a height of 35 feet and a spread of 20 to 30 feet. The fiery orange and red leaves make this one of the prettiest trees in autumn. Its main branches may be upright to arching. Proper pruning when the tree is young is essential to create a symmetrical tree. The male and female flowers emerge in the spring before the leaves. They are dense or loose greenish clusters. The female flower, once pollinated, produces a red drupe that ripens to blue-black in October. While the fruit is inedible to humans, it is enjoyed by birds, which are responsible for spreading the seeds of this tree. It is now considered to be a potential weed tree for the Southeast. Male trees are preferred for the home landscape, as they do not produce seeds. Male trees are propagated by grafting. The brilliant color of the fall foliage and the peeling bark will add more interest to the home landscape, particularly in the fall and winter.

The Chinese pistachio is an excellent choice as a shade or street tree, with the caveat that it can escape and become weedy.  Consider this medium-sized ornamental as a specimen, street or shade tree. It is the perfect size for a patio or garden. It is excellent in an Asian, children’s or winter garden.

Quick ID Hints:

• medium-sized deciduous street, 30 to 35 feet tall, 20 to 20 feet wide, umbrella-like canopy
• grayish-brown, scaly, peeling outer bark that reveals a salmon-colored inner bark
• male and female flowers greenish, on separate trees; male flowers in dense clusters, and female flowers in loose clusters
• Leaves dark green, compound, pinnate, 10 to 12 inches long, with 10 to 12 narrow leaflets, aromatic when bruised
• Red, rounded, 0.25-inch drupe that ripens to blue-black in the fall

Insect Disease and Other Pest Problems: Once established, it becomes carefree with no serious pest or disease problems. It may be susceptible to verticillium wilt. This species can escape and become weedy.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology,” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.