Chinese Pistache
Pistacia chinensis
Mature Height: 30-50 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Foliage: Deciduous, foot long leaves composed of 10-16 paired leaflets (1"-2"), leaves turn to brilliant red or orange
Flower/Fruit: Female trees bear clusters of tiny red fruit if male specimen is nearby
Hardy to Zone 5
This tree has gained a lot of popularity over the past several years and for good reason. Once established, it tolerates drought and diverse soil conditions (except for wet areas) and is one of the most colorful trees in autumn with brilliant hues of red-orange or yellow. The color change is slow and therefore provides nice color for a lengthy period. Younger trees are vase shaped but become rounder and spreading as they mature. In time, it provides decent shade. This tree is most effective as an ornamental, however, and works well near patios or decks. I can attest that the tree transplants well - I moved my seven feet tall tree to another location after having it in the ground for a year and it made the move with no problems. The Chinese Pistache is being used in many cities as street trees.
Fall is the best time to purchase because you can observe the foliage color at the nursery and choose accordingly. This is also the optimal time for planting. Keep the tree watered well - a deep watering once a week in the absence of rain is recommended. Apply a heavy mulch 2-3 feet around the tree but leave a 3-4 inch basin around the tree trunk so that the mulch doesn't pile up around the bark. As the tree grows you may want to shape and prune for desirable branch spacing although if you don't do this, the tree will be just fine.
Back to Trees & Shrubs
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Foliage: Deciduous, foot long leaves composed of 10-16 paired leaflets (1"-2"), leaves turn to brilliant red or orange
Flower/Fruit: Female trees bear clusters of tiny red fruit if male specimen is nearby
Hardy to Zone 5
This tree has gained a lot of popularity over the past several years and for good reason. Once established, it tolerates drought and diverse soil conditions (except for wet areas) and is one of the most colorful trees in autumn with brilliant hues of red-orange or yellow. The color change is slow and therefore provides nice color for a lengthy period. Younger trees are vase shaped but become rounder and spreading as they mature. In time, it provides decent shade. This tree is most effective as an ornamental, however, and works well near patios or decks. I can attest that the tree transplants well - I moved my seven feet tall tree to another location after having it in the ground for a year and it made the move with no problems. The Chinese Pistache is being used in many cities as street trees.
Fall is the best time to purchase because you can observe the foliage color at the nursery and choose accordingly. This is also the optimal time for planting. Keep the tree watered well - a deep watering once a week in the absence of rain is recommended. Apply a heavy mulch 2-3 feet around the tree but leave a 3-4 inch basin around the tree trunk so that the mulch doesn't pile up around the bark. As the tree grows you may want to shape and prune for desirable branch spacing although if you don't do this, the tree will be just fine.
Back to Trees & Shrubs