Also known as Green-Almond · Pistache Nut · Pistachio Nut
Pistachio (Pistacia vera) is a small, deciduous tree native to Central Asia and the Middle East, cultivated for its edible seeds.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry between waterings, provide deep watering.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm to hot
75% intensity
Thrives in hot, dry climates; requires a period of winter chill for fruit set.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Mature trees need minimal fertilization; young trees annually.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
The fruit (nut) is edible. Other parts of the plant are not typically consumed and may cause mild irritation if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Pistachio trees prefer well-drained soil and are drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, especially during dormancy.
Young trees require more consistent moisture until their root systems are developed.
Prune pistachio trees during the dormant season (late winter or early spring) to shape the tree and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Focus on developing a strong, open structure with three to four main scaffold branches. Light pruning can encourage fruit production.
Pistachio trees are typically propagated by grafting, as seed-grown trees are often inconsistent in fruit quality and maturity. Budding, usually whip-and-tongue grafting, is performed on established rootstock, typically in late winter or early spring, to ensure desirable cultivar characteristics.
Repotting is generally not a common practice for established pistachio trees due to their size and deep root systems.
For container-grown young trees, repotting may be necessary every 2-3 years into a slightly larger container to accommodate root growth. Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Pistachio (Pistacia vera)
Where Pistachio (Pistacia vera) is found
Density
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9 known issues from plant disease data
Botryosphaeria Panicle and Shoot Blight on Pistachio blackens shoots and clusters, blights leaves, and can leave fruit hulls decayed.
Alternaria Late Blight on Pistachio causes black leaf spots and dark hull lesions with red halos, often leading to shell staining.
Verticillium Wilt on Pistachio causes yellowing or scorched leaves on one scaffold, followed by rapid branch death or whole-tree decline.
Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot on Pistachio causes yellowing, leaf drop, poor vigor, basal crown cankers, and summer tree death.
Botrytis Blossom and Shoot Blight on Pistachio wilts tender shoots, dries leaves, and causes blossom blight with flagging shoots.
Fruit Molds on Pistachio cause hull decay, shell staining, and kernel discoloration or mold as nuts mature under humid conditions.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Pistacia |
| Species | Pistacia vera |
Similar in genus Pistacia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
