Pistacia chinensis (Chinese Pistache)

Adding drama in the fall landscape, Pistacia chinensis (Chinese Pistache) is a small deciduous tree adorned with a rounded umbrella-like canopy of compound, pinnate, dark green leaves, 10 in. long (25 cm), divided into 10-12 narrow leaflets. While the foliage is aromatic when bruised and an attractive dark green during the summer, the primary season of interest of Pistacia chinensis is in fall when its leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. Chinese Pistache is dioecious, with separate male and female trees. Blooming in spring, male and female flowers are greenish to purplish and open before the leaves unfurl. While related to the pistachio tree (Pistacia vera), Chinese Pistache does not produce edible nuts. The female flowers are followed by inedible bright red berries in fall that turn blue-purple in winter and are a source of food for birds. The bark becomes scaly, gray-brown, and as the scales flake off they reveal salmon inner bark. Thanks to its wide canopy, Chinese Pistache is a good choice for a shade tree. It can also be used as a single specimen for a spectacular display. Heat and drought-tolerant, winter hardy, pest-free, fire resistant, relatively long-lived, this ornamental tree is terrific for lawns, streets, and parks.

• Grows up to 30-35 ft. tall (9-11 m) and 20-30 ft. wide (6-9 m).
• A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade, but full sun is best for growth and fall foliage. Tolerates a wide range of soil types and water conditions.
• Pruning in early years to create a symmetrical tree with good form.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for verticillium wilt.
• Propagation by seeds.
• Native to China, Taiwan and the Philippines.