Chinese Pistache ( Pistacia chinensis )

$15.00

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The Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis) is a handsome and dependable shade tree admired for its graceful structure, durability, and spectacular autumn color. Native to China and Taiwan, this medium-sized deciduous tree has become a favorite in landscapes for its adaptability and long season of interest.

During the growing season, the tree is covered in elegant pinnate leaves made up of many glossy leaflets that create a soft, airy canopy of deep green foliage. As autumn approaches, the tree delivers its greatest show—transforming into brilliant shades of scarlet, orange, and crimson that rival the finest fall displays.

Mature trees develop a strong branching structure and rounded crown that provides generous shade. The bark gradually becomes textured and furrowed, adding character with age. Female trees may produce small clusters of red berries that mature to bluish-purple, providing seasonal interest and food for birds.

Chinese Pistache is widely valued for its toughness and reliability. It tolerates heat, drought, wind, and urban conditions better than many ornamental trees, making it an excellent choice for streets, lawns, and large landscapes where a long-lived shade tree is desired.

Growing Conditions

Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils including clay, loam, or sandy soils
pH: Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils tolerated
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9
Mature Size: Typically 30–40 ft tall and 30–35 ft wide
Growth Rate: Moderate growth rate

Landscape Uses

Shade tree for lawns and large landscapes
Street tree due to strong structure and urban tolerance
Specimen tree valued for brilliant fall color
Parking lot or commercial landscape tree where heat tolerance is important
Wildlife-friendly planting when female trees produce fruit
Drought-tolerant landscape plant suitable for warm climates

Strong, resilient, and beautiful in every season, the Chinese Pistache is a tree that rewards patience—growing steadily into a stately shade tree that lights the landscape with color each autumn.

DISCLAIMER - WE ADVISE THAT THE BEST TIME TO SHIP IS FROM OCTOBER TO MAY. SHIPPING OUTSIDE OF THAT TIME PERIOD CAN BE EXTREMELY STRESSFUL TO ANY LIVING PLANT. ON MOST OCCASIONS, PLANTS WILL SURVIVE THAT STRESS AND GO ON TO THRIVE. HOWEVER, OCCASIONALLY SOME WILL PERISH. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE TREES THAT WE DON’T PLANT, SO ONLINE SALES ARE AS IS. WE DO NOT SHIP TREES IN CONTAINERS/POTS AS TO AVOID EXCESSIVE SHIPPING CHARGES. WE SECURE TREE ROOTS IN LARGE PLASTIC BAGS PACKED WITH WET MEDIUM. IF YOU WISH TO SPECIFY A SHIP DATE, PLEASE INCLUDE A NOTE WITH YOUR ORDER. OTHER WISE IT WILL SHIP AS SOON AS WERE ABLE. WE DO NOT ACCEPT CANCELLATIONS ONCE AN ORDER IS PLACED. PLEASE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE ORDERING. SHIPPING TO ALASKA AND HAWAII IS EXTRA. OUR SHIPPING TIMEFRAME IS AN ESTIMATE NOT A GUARANTEE AS WE ARE AFFECTED BY WEATHER EVENTS, STAFFING ETC.