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Tree Browser

With these characteristics: None

Pistachio

Pistacia vera

Anacardiaceae - Cashew

Description

Leaves: Grayish; compound; 8" long; 3-5 leaflets per leaf (occasionally 1-7), 2" to 4" long; deciduous.

Twigs/buds: Similar to P. chinensis, its close relative; little information available.
 
Flowers/fruit: Flowers dioecious; brownish-green; borne in panicles, lack petals, occur in early summer, inconspicuous. Fruit a drupe or nut with an edible seed, reddish or pale tan, wrinkled; oval, 3/4" to 1" long, borne in clusters like grapes; kernel protected by creamy white, bony shell.
 
Bark: Light gray; furrowed.
 
Wood: Little information available; presumably somewhat similar to P. chinensis, which is hard and rot resistant.
 
General: Probably native to Asia, though it has long been grown in Asia Minor and the Mediterranean region. Small bushy tree up to 30' in height. Cultivated for edible pistachio nuts - not for ornament. Cold intolerant; requires long summers, heat, dryness, and mild winters. Prefers full sun and well-drained soils.
 
Landscape Use: Pistachio, the common pistachio nut, can be grown in Utah.  I have seen several of these small trees growing on a rocky, windy, south-facing hillside overlooking the Logan River in Logan.  They receive no irrigation or care at all, yet do quite well and bear good, large fruit.  I assume they are not grafted, since the P. chinensis rootstock likely would not be cold-hardy and these trees seem unaffected by the cold.  The compound leaves are fleshy and the leaves and fruit turn a nice orange-red in the fall. Zones 4-9.

Characteristics

General

Family:
Anacardiaceae - Cashew
Cultivar Availability:
No
Hardiness Zone:
4-9
Type:
Broadleaf
Utah Native:
No

Growth

Growth Rate:
Low
Mature Height:
Low
Longevity:
High
Is Good Under Power Lines:
Yes
Crown Shape:
Rounded

Ornamental

Bark:
No
Fall Color:
Yes
Flowers:
No
Foliage:
Yes
Fruit:
Yes

Tolerance

Shade:
Low
Salt:
High
Drought:
High
Poor Drainage:
Medium
Alkalinity:
High
Transplanting:
High