Pistacia lentiscus (Mastic Tree)

Pistacia lentiscus (Mastic Tree) is an attractive large evergreen shrub or small tree with aromatic, small, leathery, olive green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm), divided into 3-5 pairs of leaflets. Its handsome stems are reddish in color when young, turning gray as they mature. Mastic Tree is dioecious, with separate male and female trees. Blooming in spring, male and female flowers are very small, green, and inconspicuous. While related to the pistachio tree (Pistacia vera), Pistacia lentiscus does not produce edible nuts. The female flowers are followed by inedible bright red berries in fall that turn black when ripe. The sap is the source of mastic, an aromatic resin used as a breath freshener and to flavor puddings and cakes. Rich with a sweet-flavored, resinous aroma, Pistacia lentiscus is a great evergreen shrub or small tree that is useful as a dense hedge, windbreak, screen, or patio tree in hot, dry locations.

• Grows up to 15-25 ft. tall (4-8 m) and 20-30 ft. wide (6-9 m).
• A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in dry, poor, well-drained soils. Water infrequently, but tolerates regular irrigation as well. Drought tolerant. Tolerant of saline coastal conditions.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Low maintenance and requires little pruning.
• Propagation by seeds or cuttings.
• Native to the Mediterranean regions such as Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, and Africa.