Texas pistachio is a large evergreen shrub native to southwestern North America.
Texas pistachio (Pistacia texana) doesn’t produce nuts, nor is the fruit edible, but this small beautiful tree (or large shrub) is a great addition to a waterwise garden.
Also known in English as American pistachio, wild pistachio and Mexican pistachio and in Spanish as Lentisco, it is the only pistachio species native to the Americas. Nine other species originated in Eastern Europe and Asia, and another species is native to the Canary Islands.
Unruly but Beautiful
Although it can be a little unruly, creatively trimmed, the plant can really achieve a gnarled and truly original look. It can be single or multi-trunked. The branches may droop, so they may need to be staked at first. As they gain girth and strength, the stakes can be removed. This pistachio species creates an airy shade.
The leaves are small almost bronze or red in the early spring. As the season progresses, the leaves change to dark green.
While the tree is not an evergreen, in warmer areas of the southwest it can keep its leaves all winter.
The plant is highly drought-tolerant and can thrive in alkaline soils. It is also heat-tolerant and can tolerate high salt content. The tree has no pH preferences. However, Texas pistachio does need to have well-drained soil. It can be raised in sun or partial shade.
It is also highly resistant to insect damage.
Birds feed on the fruit, but deer do not care for the tree, which makes it a highly attractive plant in areas with high deer populations.
Males and Females
All pistachios are dioecious. The flowers of Texas pistachio, which form on the female trees, are small white clusters that are not particularly attractive. However, the fruits are showy, appearing in large red clusters in spring which change to black in summer. The male flowers are catkins.
The plant does best in USDA zones 8, 9 and 10, although it has been grown in colder zones.
Texas pistachio trees are available from native plant nurseries. Plant it as you would any other tree, and water well until established.
Texas pistachio may live for centuries (as do all members of the pistachio family).
The genus Pistachia is in the family Anacardiaceae, which includes cashews, poison ivy, sumac and mangos.
Related species of Pistacia texana include Mt. Atlas pistschio (Pistacia atlantica), Chinese pistachio (Pistacia chinensis) and Terebinth pistachio (Pistacia terebinthus).
Edible varieties were introduced into the U.S in 1854, when Charles Mason distributed seeds in California and Texas for experimental plantings.
Related articles include:
- Planting Trees in The Desert Part I
- Planting Trees in the Desert Part II
- Drought-Tolerant Trees
- Drought-Tolerant Shrubs
