Pistacia chinensis aka Chinese Pistache

Pistacia chinensis, or Chinese pistache, belongs to the sumac family. This deciduous tree comes from a broad belt of Asia. Its range spans Afghanistan, China, Taiwan and the Philippines. It also grows in the Himalayas and Transcaucasus. Wild trees grow on slopes, rocky hills and near rivers. Garden trees reach 30–35 feet (9.1–10.7 metres) tall. Their crowns spread 20–30 feet (6.1–9.1 metres) wide. Some accounts give heights of 40–50 feet (12.2–15.2 metres). Wild trees can reach about 85 feet (26 metres).

Young trees may have an uneven shape and sparse crown. With age, the crown rounds out and spreads wider. Main limbs grow upward or arch away from the trunk. Gray-brown bark peels to show a salmon-pink layer beneath. Shallow furrows divide the bark into flat, block-like ridges. Stout twigs bear pale lenticels, large buds and raised leaf scars. The glossy, dark green leaves are alternate and pinnate. Each leaf has about 10–12 narrow leaflets. Bruised leaves give off a scent. Fall foliage turns red, orange or yellow before dropping.

Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Wind carries pollen between them; the tree is not self-fertile. Small flower clusters open before the leaves, often in April. Male clusters are dense, while female clusters are loose. Sources describe the blooms as greenish or red. Pollinated female trees form small, round drupes. These start red and turn blue to blue-black in October. Birds eat the fruit and spread its seeds. The fruit is not edible for people. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards for this species.

Plant this tree in full sun with good soil drainage. It grows best in moist soil but withstands dry spells. It accepts many soil types and a wide pH range. RHS recommends a sheltered site with moderately fertile soil. Growth is moderate, and full size may take 20–50 years. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 6–9. RHS rates it H3 for mild parts of Britain. These ratings reflect different growing climates.

Gardeners use Chinese pistache for shade, streets and specimen planting. It withstands heat and air pollution in urban sites. Young trees need pruning to build a balanced crown. Serious pest problems are rare, though verticillium wilt can occur. RHS also lists fungal root rot and coral spot. Birds can carry seeds beyond gardens, where seedlings become weeds. This risk matters in the southeastern United States.