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Pistachio

Pistacia chinensis

Found in planted horticulturally, but now naturalizing freely in suburban areas. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), South Central edition What its natural habitat tells you

—
Not native

Not native to Alabama. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 76%

Height
30–35 feet
Spread
20–30 feet
Light
Full sun
Soil moisture
Somewhat dry to moist
See native alternatives

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At a glance

Life cycle
Woody perennial
Leaves
Deciduous
Bloom
March to April

Recorded in 2 Alabama counties.

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

2CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including AL

Genus host records with ranges including AL · Pistacia

  • Amyelois transitellaNavel Orangeworm
  • Choristoneura rosaceanaOblique-Banded Leafroller Moth, Rosaceous Leaf Roller
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Anacardiaceae
Hardiness
Zones 6a–9b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
Green

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope

Conservation status

Alabama rankNot available
Global rankGNR
AL statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources