Chinese Pistacia fruit
Chinese Pistacia fruit

Chinese Pistacia

Pistacia chinensis

$23.00
USDA Zones 6–9 Full Sun Matures 25–35 Feet
Size: 1 Gallon

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Healthy-arrival guarantee Free shipping over $150
Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.
The Full Story

Chinese Pistacia is a medium size deciduous tree related to the Pistachio nut. It does not produce the edible nuts but does have splendid bright orange-red fall color, is drought and insect resistant, and has lustrous dark green compound leaves.

This is an excellent landscape tree and is used as a downtown street tree here in Aiken, South Carolina and elsewhere. It is tolerant of a variety of well-drained soils.

Photos courtesy of David Prasad and Jim Robbins.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Size: 1 Gallon
Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 6–9
Sun
Full Sun
Soil
Well-drained
Mature size
Height 25–35 Feet · Spread 20–30 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Deciduous
Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Foliage
The reason to plant them. Long pinnately compound leaves, ten to twelve inches, divided into a dozen or so slender lance-shaped leaflets, opening a fresh spring green and deepening to a glossy dark green that takes summer heat and drought without flinching. Then autumn arrives and they turn, nearly all at once, to a fire of scarlet, orange, and red that ranks them among the best fall trees for the warm South.

Flowers
Small and easily missed, greenish to reddish, in loose clusters at the branch tips before or as the leaves break. They carry no petals and lean on the wind rather than the bees. The trees are dioecious, male and female on separate plants, so the flowering is largely a matter of which tree you have drawn.

Fruit
Only the females bear, and only with a male somewhere near. Small round drupes hang in open clusters through late summer and fall, passing from green to red to a deep blue-purple. Not for the table, but stripped quickly by birds.

Care

Read our full care guide

Sun Requirements:
Chinese Pistache thrives in full sun. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fall color development.

Soil Preferences:
This adaptable tree grows best in well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH but can tolerate slightly acidic conditions.

Watering Needs:
Once established, Pistacia chinensis is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. During the first few years after planting, water deeply once a week to encourage a strong root system. After establishment, occasional deep watering during extreme drought conditions will be beneficial.

Planting Instructions:

  • Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil.
  • Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
  • Position the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil.
  • Backfill with soil, pressing down gently to remove air pockets.
  • Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Growth Rate & Size:
Chinese Pistache grows at a moderate rate of about 1 to 2 feet per year, reaching a mature height of 30 to 50 feet with a rounded canopy spread of 30 to 40 feet.

Pruning & Maintenance:

  • Minimal pruning is needed, but young trees benefit from structural pruning to encourage a balanced, upright shape.
  • Remove any crossing, weak, or lower branches to develop a strong trunk.
  • Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth emerges.

Pest & Disease Resistance:
This tree is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for landscapes. It is also deer-resistant.

Fall Color & Seasonal Interest:
One of the most brilliant fall color trees, Pistacia chinensis transforms into stunning shades of fiery red, orange, and yellow in autumn. It is deciduous, shedding its leaves in winter before new foliage emerges in spring.

Wildlife Benefits:
Chinese Pistache provides food for birds and pollinators. The small, red to blue fruits (produced only on female trees) attract wildlife but are not edible for humans.

Ideal Uses in the Landscape:

  • A shade tree for urban and residential landscapes
  • Excellent street tree due to its high heat and drought tolerance
  • A specimen tree for dramatic fall color
  • Suitable for xeriscaping and dry-climate landscapes
Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.