From the UT Gardens
November 2017 Plant of the Month: Chinese
pistache
Submitted by James Newburn, Assistant Director, UT Gardens, Knoxville
Last fall I was driving in my neighborhood and noticed a beautiful planting of
street trees that was unfamiliar to me. What drew my attention was the
symmetrical round shape, the delicate looking — almost lacy — foliage, and the
brilliant red-orange fall color. I knew that this particular landscape had been
designed by one of my University of Tennessee colleagues, Garry Menendez, whose
office is right down the hall from mine, so it was to him that I turned for
identification. He told me that the trees in question were Chinese pistache
trees (Pistacia chinensis) and agreed that they were beautiful specimens.
I had to learn more.
Related to the pistachio nut tree, P. chinensis has many
qualities that make it a desirable choice for home or commercial landscapes. It
is a smaller tree that typically grows to an average of 30 to 35 feet with an
equal spread that makes it ideal for smaller urban or suburban yards. The
compound leaves usually have between 10-12 leaflets, which give the tree a fine
texture and creates a refreshing dappled shade effect. Chinese pistache is
disease resistant and can tolerate heat, drought, a wide range of soil
conditions and moderate air pollution. This is why you may see it, as I did,
often planted as a street tree.
The most striking characteristic, however, is its fall
color. As temperatures cool and days shorten, the foliage turns crimson red,
brilliant orange or even yellow, often on the same tree. Leaf color can vary
from tree to tree, but it is often very eye-catching. The smaller leaves make
for easy fall-clean-up. Chinese pistache
trees are either male or female and the ¼-inch seed produced on the female
trees can be equally attractive growing in clusters that are red in color before
ripening to a rich blue. Unlike its pistachio nut cousin though, Chinese
pistache fruit is inedible, although birds seem to enjoy them. Hardy in zones 6-9, the tree may survive even
a little further north with some winter wind and chill protection, for instance
next to a fence or wall. Young trees in the nursery may appear gawky, but given
time they will grow to a nice straight tree. Staking with a bamboo cane will
help ensure a straight trunk, but this is not necessary.
Nice specimens can be seen at the University of Tennessee Gardens, Jackson, in
the north shrub border, and on the UT Institute of Agriculture campus in
Knoxville next to the Brehm Animal Science Building.
November is the time of year that we notice spectacular fall
color and it is also a great time to plant trees. You may want to consider
planting Chinese pistache now for years of enjoyment.
The UT Gardens includes plant collections located in Knoxville, Jackson and
Crossville. Designated as the official botanical garden for the State of
Tennessee, the collections are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The
Gardens’ mission is to foster appreciation, education and stewardship of plants
through garden displays, educational programs and research trials. The Gardens
are open during all seasons and free to the public. For more information, see
the Gardens website: ag.tennessee.edu/utg.
###
Contact:
James Newburn, UT Gardens, Knoxville, 865 974 7256, jnewburn@utk.edu