PISTACIA chinensis

Deciduous - pinnate leaves to 25cm (10in) long, each with 10-12 oblong-elliptic, toothed, leathery, glossy, dark-green leaflets with no terminal leaflet. Leaves colour well in autumn.

Height - 15-25m (49-80ft)

Spread - 7-10m (23-33ft)

Tree - erect at first, then spreading with age. Flowers are produced with the young leaves. Males are borne in crowded panicles to 10cmerect at first, spreading with age. Flowers are followed by small, spherical red fruit maturing blue.

Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter - Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)

Full sun

Additional Features - Good to know - male and female plants required for fruiting

Pests & Diseases - fungal root rot, coral spot

Place of origin - central and western China

Flower Shape - Panicles - males in crowded panicles to 10cm (4in) long, females in looser panicles 15-25cm (6-10in) long

Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -

Scented Plants - Scented flowers

Soil Conditions - Fertile well drained soil - moderately fertile, sharply drained.

Tree Shape - Rounded to broadly spreading