The Formosan pistache tree ( Pistacia chinensis ) is a large , deciduous ornamental nicety tree diagram with vivid decline color . It does n’t produce Pistacia vera nuts , although it is commonly used as the rootstalk for graft the pistachio nut tree diagram ( Pistacia vera ) . It is a long - lived tree that grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 6 through 9 .

Growth Habit

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Both male and female Formosan pistache Tree reach 30 to 50 feet tall and wide at maturity . They have a rounded crown with branches that crouch downward , give them an umbrella embodiment . The wood is exceedingly gruelling and resists damage from wind , ice , snow , cuss , disease and decay . long-wearing , tolerant of drouth , heat and insensate , the Taiwanese pistache thrives in knotty condition , such as a xeriscape .

Characteristics

Young Chinese pistache trees often are gangly and misshapen , but they sour into harmonious trees with age . petty or no pruning is needed , making them easy trees to maintain . Formosan pistache is attractive in all seasons . The gray bark exfoliates to reveal salmon and rust undertones , giving the tree diagram wintertime stake . The exquisitely - textured leaves are late green , turning orangish and red - orange in crepuscle , even in areas with mild wintertime . Both manlike and distaff trees flowerin late spring .

Male Trees

virile tree bear unnoticeable green efflorescence in tight , 2- to 3 - inch - farseeing clump resemble strobilus . They bloom on old wood . The flowers on both male and female tree look before the tree ’s leaves . While bees and other insects benefit from the nectar of manful flowers , the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree provides no food for thought for wildlife . Pistacia chinensis " Keith Davey " is a manful cultivar .

Female Trees

Female trees bear little cherry-red flowers along the former year ’s base in clustering longer than those of the manly tree diagram . If the flowers receive pollen from a manly tree by substance of wind , dirt ball or bird , distaff trees bear small , oval , red to orange fruit that sour dark blue in winter . The prime and yield can produce bedding material , so a manlike Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is a better choice where neatness matter . distaff trees put up solid food for birds and squirrels .

Cultivation

Plant Taiwanese pistache during the fall . Choose a site in full Lord’s Day . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree flourish in well - drained grunge of nearly any composition and pH degree , but good drain is crucial , so amend heavy clay soil with adequate piece of compost . Mulch the antecedent zone to keep it nerveless and moist . Chinese pistache trees are drought kind once established . To create a warm root system in a new tree , soak the tree diagram ’s root zone hebdomadally during the first two long time .

References

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