Chinese pistache

Pistacia chinensis Bunge

Family: AnacardiaceaeZones: 6a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

The sources we use do not describe a hazard to people.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA index has no Pistacia chinensis page. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Pistacia chinensis Bunge, not on the common name.. Called "Chinese pistachio" but this ornamental tree is not the nut crop (Pistacia vera). NC State says it is often confused with pecan (Carya illinoinensis).

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 6a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Full sun per NC State.
Water needs: low low is a plain-language reading of NC State: drought-, heat- and pollution-tolerant; drainage good, moist or occasionally dry. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: NC State: 30-35 ft tall and 20-30 ft wide; medium growth; available space more than 60 ft

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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