Chinese Pistache
Pistachia chinensis
Other Common Names:
Chinese pistachio
Under Power Lines:
No—this tree is not approved for planting under power lines.
Street Tree Planting:
Yes—minimum planting strip width of 5 feet. If planting a street tree, you must be approved for a permit.
Description:
This is an excellent urban tree, adapting to wide variety of conditions. The Chinese pistache has dark green foliage turning to a striking red in fall and peeling bark, adding interest in every season. While this tree can start out quite misshapen, it matures into a magnificent tree.
Mature Height:
35 feet
Mature Spread:
25 feet
Leaves:
Compound dark green leaves up to 10 inches long. Fall foliage is beautiful, appearing various shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Flowers:
Small red flowers in clusters in early spring, resembling ash flowers.
Fruit:
Small inedible nuts in loose hanging clusters turn from green to red to blue.
Cultural Notes:
Widely adaptable, but prefers full sun for best growth and fall foliage. Once established, tends to be very drought tolerant.
Potential Problems:
No serious pest or disease problems, but susceptible to vertcillium wilt.
Minimum Planting Distances:
- 15 feet from house or building
- 3 ½ feet back from the face of the curb
- 5 feet from underground utility lines
- 10 feet from power poles
- 7 ½ feet from driveways (10 feet recommended)
- 20 feet from street lights and other existing trees
- 30 feet from street intersections