Pistacia chinensis

RHS Plant Profile
Chinese pistachio
Trees

A half-hardy deciduous tree, up to 25m high in its native range but often much smaller in cultivation. Leaves are pinnate, divided into 10-12 glossy, toothed, dark green leaflets, that turn bright red, orange and yellow in autumn. Small, fragrant red flowers are produced in mid to late spring; if pollinated, these are followed on female plants by small round reddish fruits that mature to blue

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Anacardiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Spreading branched
Genus
A genus of 10 to 20 species of flowering shrubs and small trees in the cashew family, the most well known being pistachio which is grown for its edible seeds
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
C & W China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, sharply drained soil in a sunny, sheltered spot. A good specimen tree for mild, frost free areas

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal root rot and coral spot