Pistachio Pistacia vera
Pistachio (Pistacia vera) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Anacardiaceae family, native to Central Asia (Iran to Afghanistan). It grows 5–10 m (16–33 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
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Pistachio at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 7–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: nuts |
| Native to | Central Asia (Iran to Afghanistan) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Pistachio toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Raw husks and resin can irritate skin (cashew family).
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 Pistachio
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Pistachio
- How far apart should I plant Pistachio?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Pistachio need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pistachio need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pistachio?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Pistachio flower?
- From about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Pistachio 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. Raw husks and resin can irritate skin (cashew family).
- What grows well with Pistachio?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pistachio. 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).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- UC IPM degree-day models and pest notes, University of California
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Needs long hot dry summers and about 700–1,000 winter chill hours; male and female trees are separate and wind-pollinated.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Mango (dwarf) Mangifera indica
- Peruvian pepper tree Schinus molle
- Smoke tree Cotinus coggygria
- Mastic tree (lentisk) Pistacia lentiscus
- Sicilian sumac (spice sumac) Rhus coriaria
- Cashew Anacardium occidentale
- Ambarella (June plum) Spondias dulcis
- Jocote (red mombin, ciruela) Spondias purpurea