Mastic tree (lentisk) Pistacia lentiscus
Mastic tree (lentisk) (Pistacia lentiscus) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Anacardiaceae family, native to Mediterranean Basin. It grows 1–5 m (3.3–16 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
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Mastic tree (lentisk) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Mature height | 1–5 m (3.3–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mediterranean Basin |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇱 Israel |
Is Mastic tree (lentisk) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Mastic tree (lentisk)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Mastic tree (lentisk)
- How far apart should I plant Mastic tree (lentisk)?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Mastic tree (lentisk) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mastic tree (lentisk) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mastic tree (lentisk)?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Mastic tree (lentisk) flower?
- From about March for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mastic tree (lentisk) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Mastic tree (lentisk)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mastic tree (lentisk). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
- Flora iberica, Real Jardín Botánico, CSIC (Madrid)
Notes and assumptions
- A backbone shrub of the maquis; on Chios its resin is harvested as mastic. Resprouts after fire.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Cashew Anacardium occidentale
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