Chinese pistache tree (Pistachia chinensis) is a small to medium size 25–40-foot landscape tree, an ideal size for a yard or street tree. Chinese pistache is native to China, Taiwan and the Philippines (USDA hardiness zones 6-9). It is related to the edible pistache nut tree (Pistachia vera). (Botanical family: Anacardiaceae).

Foliage consists of pinnate compound, dark green leaves to 10 inches long, each leaf typically having 10-12 lanceolate leaflets (to 4 inches long). Tree displays a fine leaf texture, and the small leaflets are easy to rake up in the fall. Foliage is aromatic when bruised. The eye-catching fall color is crimson red, bright orange, or occasionally yellow.

Chinese pistache is dioecious, e.g. a single tree is either male or female. Pistache blooms in April but go relatively unnoticed compared to most spring blooming shrubs and trees. Female flower clusters are nearly twice as wide as males. The non-edible ¼ inches in diameter drupe fruits turn red in summer before ripening to bluish-purple in late fall.  Berries are a food source for birds. Gray-brown bark on older trees peels to reveal salmon colored inner bark.

Chinese pistache grows in moist, compost rich, well-drained soils in full sun. It prospers in full sun but can handle partial shade. Chinese pistache is a low-maintenance tree tolerant of drought, heat, and heavy clay soils. Verticillium wilt may become a serious problem in poorly drained soils. Annual pruning in early years is essential to develop a symmetrical tree with good form.

If you are concerned about berries dropping on walkways, select a fruitless male clone, P. chinensis ‘Keith Davey,’ a 35-foot-tall tree with a crown diameter of 30 feet. Female variety ‘Sarah’s Radiance’ produces lovely red fruits and nutlets in the fall. A variety of birds and yard wildlife consume the nutlets, which are not so tasty to humans.