Chinese Pistache
Pistacia chinensis
A tough, pest-resistant urban shade tree famed for spectacular orange-to-scarlet fall color even in mild climates, with a neat rounded crown at maturity. Highly drought- and heat-tolerant and adaptable to poor soils, it is a reliable Western and Southern street tree; female trees set showy (sometimes messy) red-to-blue berry clusters.
Field reference
Family
Anacardiaceae
Growth rate
Moderate
Mature size
25–40 ft tall, 25–35 ft spread
Hardiness zone
6–9
Soil preference
Tolerates poor, dry, alkaline, and compacted soils; excellent drought tolerance
Sun
Full sun
Pruning window
Dormant season; structure young trees, which can start out gawky
Wood properties
Hard, dense wood on a modest frame; strong once mature. Young trees are awkwardly branched and benefit from early structural pruning to build an even, balanced crown.
Native range
Native to China and Taiwan; widely planted in the southern and western United States
Green weight
52 lb/ft³
Pests & diseases to watch
Common questions
Does Chinese pistache color up in warm climates?
Yes — it is one of the most reliable trees for brilliant orange-red fall color even in mild-winter regions where many trees stay green, which is a big part of its popularity in the South and West.
Why does my young Chinese pistache look awkward?
Young trees are notoriously gangly and unevenly branched, but they grow into a handsome, symmetrical, rounded canopy. Light structural pruning in the first few years guides a balanced framework.
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