Pistacia vera

Native range: Central Asia, Middle East Height: 5-10 m Width: 5-8 m Flowering: Spring Fruiting: Autumn Light: Full sun to semi-shade Growth rate: Slow Soils: Light soils Drought tolerance: High Landscape position: Valley floor, lower slopes Annual rainfall range: 200 – 700 mm Benefits: Pistachio (Pistacia vera) is an exotic, deciduous tree originally native to Iran where it forms natural dryland forests. A small to medium-sized tree, it is grown predominantly to produce edible pistachio nuts, but it is also an attractive tree, with large, rounded green leaves and obvious pale veins. It is extremely hardy, able to cope with frosts, extreme heat and very drought tolerant. Pistachio are very long-lived, and can be fast growing when water is plentily available. Plants are dioecious with individual plants being either either male or female. The plants take 5-6 years before producing a small crop, reaching a peak of production at 10-12 years. Drawbacks: Fruit production requires expertise and infrastructure, fruit harvest is intensive. Uses: Nut production Ornamental and landscaping use in parklands and gardens Shade tree Suited to dry sites Propagation: Purchase grafted varieties if aiming to produce a crop. Plants can be grown from seed if use is ornamental, but there may be considerable differences in form. Weed risk: Low Future climate risks: Irregular seasons may limit effective pollination and fruit set. References Fruit & Nut Research & Information Center, University of California, Davis: Pistacio –https://shorturl.at/hqEV5 GBIF: The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (2022) – https://www.gbif.org/species/3190585 Wikifarmer: Pistachio Trees – https://shorturl.at/vzBV7