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Pistacia spp.

pistaches

Anacardiaceae

Mediterranean, Asia, and the Americas

Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 6–10

Overview

Pistacia spp. is a genus of about 10-12 species of resinous trees and large shrubs in the cashew family, native to warm-temperate and subtropical regions of the Mediterranean, Asia, and North America. Species range from 2 m (6.5 ft) shrubs to trees 15-20 m (50-65 ft) tall, with alternate pinnately compound or trifoliate leaves; some are deciduous and others evergreen. Plants are dioecious, with separate male and female trees bearing small petalless flowers in branched clusters before or with the new leaves. Female trees produce small one-seeded fruit that ripen red to blue-black. The genus includes the edible pistachio (P. vera), the mastic tree (P. lentiscus) tapped for resin, and P. chinensis, grown as a street tree for its red and orange autumn foliage. Species grow in dry woodland, scrub, and rocky hillsides, tolerating heat, drought, and poor soil. Slow growth and the need for both sexes to set fruit limit some uses.

Native Range

Pistacia spp. is native to the Mediterranean basin, central and western Asia, parts of eastern Asia, and the warmer parts of North and Central America. Species grow in dry woodland, maquis, and rocky hillsides in regions with hot, dry summers.

Suggested Uses

Pistacia spp. is planted as a shade or street tree, in dry and Mediterranean-style gardens, and in orchards for pistachio nuts or mastic resin. P. chinensis is grown for its autumn colour in parks and along streets. The drought tolerance suits low-water and hot-climate plantings.

How to Identify

Identify Pistacia spp. by its alternate, pinnately compound or trifoliate leaves, resinous aromatic sap, and separate male and female trees. The small flowers lack petals and appear in branched clusters, and female trees carry small rounded fruit ripening from red to blue-black. The compound leaves and turpentine scent of crushed parts separate it from related trees.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6'6" - 65'

Width/Spread10' - 40'

Colors

Flower Colors

green

red

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

red

orange

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs in spring, around March-May, as or just before the new leaves emerge. The small green to reddish flowers are wind-pollinated and inconspicuous. Female trees ripen fruit through summer and autumn when a male tree is nearby.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

green to reddish

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.5(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam rocky chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Time to Maturity

5-7 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Pistacia spp. grows in full sun in well-drained soils, including poor, rocky, sandy, or alkaline ground, and tolerates a pH from about 6.0-8.5. Established plants are heat- and drought-tolerant and need little water, though deep occasional watering aids fruiting in pistachio. Most species are damaged by prolonged wet or poorly drained soil. Cold tolerance varies: P. chinensis is hardy to about USDA zone 6, while Mediterranean species are tender. Growth is slow to moderate. Both a male and a female tree are needed for fruit.

Pruning

Young trees are pruned in winter to build a strong framework and clear crossing branches. Mature trees need little pruning beyond removing dead or damaged wood. Pistachio orchards are pruned to keep the canopy open and within reach.