Pistacea chinense - Chinese Pistache

Family - Anacardiaceae

Size - 30 to 35' in height, spread is somewhat comparable. Rounded, somewhat oval in shape. Growth rate is medium to fast, 2 to 3' per year can be expected. The tree in this photo was 8- 10' - 2" caliper when planted on May 1st, 1990 and is one in a row of this parking lot island. Currently (June 1997 photo) it is 15 to 18 feet in height, and has received little if any supplemental irrigation or fertilization.

Foliage - Opposite, even pinnate compound. Dark green in summer, a brilliant crimson red in fall. Fall color can be outstanding. Begins to turn in the latter part of October - first week of November here. This is the same tree just 10 days prior.

Flower/Fruit/Seed - Flowers occur on previous years wood, not showy. Trees are dioecious, separate male and female trees. I've heard that fall color is nicer on the female trees. Fruit is 1/4" drupe, red and ripening in October then turning blue in color. Not overly conspicuous but is noticeable.

Bark - Gray, slightly furrowed and scaley. Burnt-orange toned inner bark.

Pests and Diseases - Have had no pest or disease problems, at least which are noticeable.

Landscape Use - Residential, commercial, municipal, campuses, street tree, golf courses. It's uses are just about unlimited. A tough tree which provides good fall color.

Performance - 10 I would have to rank this tree right up there with Purpleblow Maple and others as a good tough tree which has a lot of ornamental character to offer. It is very adaptable, and is used in to zone 8 and 9. It is drought tolerant and tolerates a wide range of conditions, but will do best in moist well drained soils like most trees. Hardy through zone 6, possibly protected areas in zone 5.