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.
