Chinese Pistache Tree

The Facts

Height: 30′ – 35′
Spread: 20′ – 30′
Sun: Full Sun
Water: Dry to Medium
Soil: Well-Drained
Growth Rate: Fast

Pistacia chinensis, or Chinese Pistache, is fast growing to be a favorite in Oklahoma. Though called the “Ugly duckling” of the tree world because of its sometimes shape in its youth, this tree grows into one of the most beautifully shaped trees around. Its canopy becomes rounded and arched on top leaving it flat underneath giving you a sense of connection to nature and your surroundings.

Foliage consists of compound, even-pinnate, dark green leaves (to 10” long), each leaf typically having 10-12 lanceolate leaflets (to 4” long). Foliage is aromatic when bruised. Fall color is variable but often appears in quality shades of yellow, orange and red. Trees are dioecious (separate male and female trees), with flowers appearing in April in visible but somewhat inconspicuous green panicles. Gray-brown bark peels to reveal salmon inner bark.