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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), Northern Tier edition What its natural habitat tells you

—
Not native

Not native to Virginia. 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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  • Coastal Plain Willow
    Salix caroliniana

    Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Moist to standing water. Flowers: Yellow or green.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • Sweet Crabapple
    Malus coronaria

    Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: Pink or white.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • Downy Serviceberry
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    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Dry to average. Flowers: White.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

    Different: flower color

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At a glance

Life cycle
Woody perennial
Leaves
Deciduous
Bloom
March to April

Recorded in 3 Virginia counties.

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

1CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including VA

Genus host records with ranges including VA · Pistacia

  • 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

Virginia rankNot available
Global rankGNR
VA statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources