Chinese Pistache

Pistacia chinensis

Native to:
Afghanistan, China, Hainan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan, Transcaucasus

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Anacardiaceae
Genus:
Pistacia
Species:
Pistacia chinensis
USDA Symbol:
PICH4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
1200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may
Bloom Colors:
green, red

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Walter's saturnia moth (Saturnia walterorum)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Hummingbirds: Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
red, orange, yellow

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to rocky hillsides and slopes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification. Fresh seed germinates more readily than stored seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI