TreeRM

Chinese pistache

Pistacia chinensis 路 Anacardiaceae 路 also Chinese pistachio

A tough, heat- and drought-proof shade tree (30-35 feet) with fine compound leaves that turn fiery orange and red in fall even in Texas, which made it a nursery favorite and a common Austin street tree. Female trees bear clusters of red berries that birds spread, and it is now invading ranchland, woodlands and creek corridors in Central Texas. It is listed in the Texas Invasives database but not by the Texas Department of Agriculture or the City of Austin.

Broadleaf, drops leavesMedium growthFull sunLow water
Chinese pistache
, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Where it stands

Native

  • 馃嚚馃嚦 China 路 Native to China and East Asia

Invasive

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 United States 路 Texas Invasives reports it introduced in AL, CA and TX; NC State notes escapes in NC, GA, AL, AR, CA, OK and TXsource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 TX, United States 路 Listed in the Texas Invasives (texasinvasives.org) plant database. Texas Invasives: 'Chinese pistache has been seen invading natural areas in Central Texas' including ranchland and riparian areas; reported across the state. Not on the TDA noxious list and not named on City of Austin lists.source

Care

If you plant it, choose a male, fruitless cultivar such as Keith Davey so it cannot seed into natural areas, and stake and prune young trees, which are awkward and lopsided for several years. Water the first two summers, then it needs little. Few pests; verticillium wilt is a rare problem. Many Texas native plant groups now recommend against it; Texas red oak, Lacey oak and cedar elm give fall color without the risk.

Benefits

Fall colorDrought tolerantShadeLong lived

Good for

Watch out for

Invasive elsewhereMessy fruit