Chinese Pistache
Pistacia chinensis
An underrated shade tree that delivers spectacular orange-red fall color rivaling any maple, but with superior drought tolerance and adaptability. This medium-sized tree thrives in challenging conditions where other trees fail, making it perfect for water-wise landscapes. The attractive compound leaves and excellent structure make it a designer favorite for modern gardens.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
6–9
USDA hardiness
Height
30-35 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Chinese Pistache in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shade-tree →Zone Map
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Chinese Pistache · Zones 6–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 30 ft. 0 in. - 35 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 20 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: more than 60 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruits are drupes that are initially red and ripen to blue in October. They are rounded, ¼ inch in diameter, and inedible.
Color: Blue, Red/Burgundy. Type: Drupe. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Showy
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring
Edibility: The fruit is inedible.
History & Origin
Origin: Transcaucasus, Afghanistan to China, Taiwan, and the Philippines
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Heat, Pollution
- +Attracts: Songbirds
- +Wildlife value: Birds are attracted to the fruits.
- +Edible: The fruit is inedible.
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in similar conditions and repels pests
Rosemary
Shares similar water requirements and helps deter insects with aromatic oils
Native Grasses
Complement the tree's natural habitat and prevent soil erosion
Salvia
Drought-resistant and attracts beneficial pollinators while tolerating partial shade
Texas Sage
Both are drought-tolerant natives that support each other's water conservation
Yucca
Similar low-water needs and adds structural diversity to the landscape
Penstemon
Native wildflower that thrives in similar soil conditions and attracts beneficial insects
Agave
Extremely drought-tolerant succulent that complements the tree's water-wise nature
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which can inhibit growth of Chinese Pistache and other plants
Eucalyptus
Releases allelopathic compounds that suppress growth of nearby plants
Water-loving Plants
Compete for different moisture levels and may cause root rot in drought-adapted trees
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance
Common Pests
Few pest problems
Diseases
Very disease resistant