Chinese Pistachio (Pistacia Chinensis)

The Chinese Pistachio is a lovely small to medium deciduous tree that is used as an ornamental shade tree. Its drought tolerant nature and neat, hemispherical appearance makes it an ideal street tree – probably best known for its use along nature strips. With a moderate growth rate, its glossy green leaves are made up of 10 pairs of leaflets that change from brilliant orange to crimson in Autumn. In Spring, the female tree attracts birds by bearing small white flowers, followed by red and mauve berries.
Chinese Pistachio, as the name suggests, is related to the pistachio nut however it does not produce nuts itself. A total sun lover, this tree should be situated in an area of at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. Its deep roots make it an ideal specimen for near patios. Initial growth is fairly upright however as the tree matures the branches droop a little to form a nice rounded crown – offering a shady canopy. They will grow to a height of approximately 8 – 10m in cultivation, although it can reach to 15m in ideal conditions.
Not a particularly fussy tree, Chinese Pistachios can be grown in a variety of soils as long as the soil is well draining.
The Chinese Pistachio trees at our Essendon garden design project are growing beautifully and will certainly bring much joy and well appreciated shade over the summer to our clients.


Image courtesy of Google