# Chinese pistache (*Pistacia chinensis*) The Chinese pistache is a beautiful tree with bright green leaves that turn red and orange in fall. It grows tall and provides shade, making it a great tree for parks and gardens. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Chinese pistache](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Pistacia_chinensis.jpg&width=800) Photo: Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pistacia_chinensis.jpg) ## Appearance The Chinese pistache is a deciduous tree known for its dark green, compound leaves that transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. It has attractive exfoliating bark and female trees produce small, round, red to blue-purple berry-like fruits. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Sapindales - **Family:** Anacardiaceae - **Genus:** Pistacia ## Interesting facts - It can thrive even in tough city environments. - Its tiny fruits change color from red to blue-purple! - Male and female flowers grow on separate trees! - This tree is famous for its fiery autumn leaf show. ## Special abilities - **Drought Buster:** Chinese pistache has deep roots that allow it to find water and thrive in very dry conditions. - **City Survivor:** Chinese pistache can withstand pollution and various soil types, helping it grow strong in urban areas. - **Pest Shield:** Chinese pistache has natural defenses that make it very resistant to most common pests and diseases. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 600-1800 cm - **Spread:** 600-1500 cm - **Flower Size:** 0.2-0.5 cm - **Bloom Season:** Spring - **Edible:** No - **Toxicity:** None - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Wind ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — consumes its small, colorful fruits. - **Eats:** [European Starling](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-starling) (*Sturnus vulgaris*) — feeds on the tree's abundant drupes. - **Eats:** [White-tailed Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-tailed-deer) (*Odocoileus virginianus*) — browses on young leaves and twigs. - **Shelter:** [Eastern Gray Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-gray-squirrel) (*Sciurus carolinensis*) — builds nests and hides in its branches. ## Traits - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Fall Color](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fall-color): Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always stay on paths when exploring around trees, and don't climb without an adult's help. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Chinese pistache? Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is Chinese pistache? 600-1800 cm ### How wide does Chinese pistache spread? 600-1500 cm ### How big are the flowers on Chinese pistache? 0.2-0.5 cm ### When does Chinese pistache bloom? Spring ### Is Chinese pistache edible? No ### Is Chinese pistache toxic? None ### What is Chinese pistache's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lady-bird-johnson-wildflower-center) — Texas, US · Botanical Garden - [Booster Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/booster-park) — California, US · Park ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Chinese pistache: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/chinese-pistache)