Chinese Pistache
Pistacia chinensis
Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 4, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Chinese Pistache
Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis) is a medium to large deciduous shade tree prized for one of the most vibrant fall color displays of any tree suited to the South — brilliant orange, red, and yellow foliage that persists well into winter. Hardy through USDA Zone 6b–9b, it thrives in full sun, tolerates drought and poor soils, and is virtually pest-free, making it an outstanding street and specimen tree for NE Florida landscapes. Starting at $29.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Plant in full sun for best growth and fall color. Chinese Pistache tolerates reflected heat from pavement, making it an excellent street or parking lot tree in NE Florida.
Very drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly for the first 1–2 years to support root establishment; thereafter minimal supplemental irrigation is needed except during severe drought.
Adapts to sandy, loam, clay, or poor urban soils as long as drainage is adequate. Little fertilizer is needed; apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring for the first few years to encourage establishment.
Similar needs
Arizona Cypress
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Bottlebrush
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Chaste Tree
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Christmas Jewel Holly
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Florida Soapberry
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Italian Cypress
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
You may also like
Common questions
Is Chinese Pistache a good plant for St. Augustine?
Chinese Pistache is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 30-40 feet × 25-35 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.