Trees Around The World Tour- CHINESE PISTACHE

Pistachia chinensis         |        Anarcardiaceae       |       Chinese pistache

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This is a close relative of the true pistachio tree, Pistacia vera, but it does not produce pistachios. This Chinese Pistache is a native to East Asia’s hilly forests and rocky soils. This makes it one of our hardiest urban street trees. It averages 30 ft. tall and can handle heat, drought, and cold temperatures. This species is both deciduous and dioecious. The latter means that unisexual male and female flowers reside on different trees. The species produces edible young shoots, but the fruit itself is edible. The species is valued as an ornamental due to its beautiful, red, fall foliage, persistent red fruits and as a source of valuable wood. The P. chinensis is used mainly as an ornamental or shade tree. However, research has recently been done on producing biodiesel from the seed oil. This Chinese pistache is one of the Great Trees of Arizona on campus. 

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Additional Resources to Explore:

• Link to the Campus Arboretum Species Description page
• Link to the Campus Arboretum Trees Around The World Tour page (for booklet, self-guided campus tours, or docent led tour information)