Pistachio nut

Sunset

Pistacia chinensis

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Zones 7-12, 14, 15, 18-21, 25-30

Full

Moderate

Anacardiaceae
Deciduous, Trees

PISTACIA

These are ornamental species; for the plant grown for edible nuts, see Pistachio Nut. Glossy deep green leaves are divided into leaflets; insignificant flowers. If male trees are nearby, female trees will bear clusters of tiny fruits. Verticillium wilt may strike established trees. Minimize susceptibility by planting in well-drained soil and watering deeply but infrequently. Young trees tend to be irregular in form and benefit from early training and pruning.

Pistachio nut

Botanically known as Pistacia vera, this native of southwestern and central Asia produces the pistachio nuts sold in markets; for strictly ornamental members of the genus, see Pistacia. Tree grows to 25 to 30 ft. tall and as wide,with one or several trunks. Its gray-green leaves are divided into three to five roundish, 2- to 4-in.-long leaflets. Male and female plants are separate; to get fruit, be sure to include a male tree in your planting.