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Summary
Pistacia vera,
The Pistachio is a nut tree that produces highly valued seeds, commonly called pistachios. The seed is eaten raw or cooked; they are rich in oil and have a mild, pleasant flavour, making them a versatile ingredient in many dishes. Pistachios are prevalent in confectionery, ice cream, cakes, and pies, adding a distinct flavour and crunch. They are also enjoyed as a raw snack due to their rich, buttery taste. While pistachio seeds can yield up to 40% edible oil, not produced commercially because the seeds are more valuable as a food product. Additionally, the fruits can be processed into a flavorful marmalade.
Pistachio trees are well-suited to hot, dry climates and thrive in regions with long, hot summers and low humidity. They require a sunny position and perform best in deep, well-drained soils. Pistachios are particularly well-suited to light, calcareous soils and can grow in poorer soils. Once established, pistachio trees are highly drought-tolerant, thriving in dry soils and needing minimal water to produce high-quality nuts. High humidity can reduce the quality of the nuts and increase the risk of disease.
Pistachio trees, though relatively slow-growing, are a long-term investment. They are known for their longevity and begin producing nuts after about 7 to 10 years, with peak production occurring between 15 and 20 years. With proper care, these trees can continue producing high-quality nuts for decades.
Pistachios are native to parts of Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. They have been introduced and cultivated in the Mediterranean and other regions with similar climates, including Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, France, Libya, Morocco, and the East Aegean Islands.
Harvesting: Late summer to early autumn when the nut hulls begin to split.
Bloom Color: Red. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Oval, Rounded, Spreading or horizontal, Vase.
Physical Characteristics
Pistacia vera is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Oil Seed
Edible Uses: Oil Oil
Seed - raw or cooked[2, 46, 61, 74]. The seed is rich in oil and has a pleasant mild flavour[2]. It is very nice when eaten raw and is also widely used in confectionery, ice cream, cakes, pies etc[183]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed but is not produced commercially due to the high price of the seed[183]. The fruits can be made into a flavourful marmalade[183].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Dysentery Miscellany Sedative Tonic
The plant is used in China for the treatment of abdominal ailments, abscesses, amenorrhoea, bruises, chest ailments, circulation, dysentery, gynecopathy, pruritus, rheumatism, sclerosis of the liver, sores and trauma[218]. The seed is said to be sedative and tonic[240].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Miscellany Oil Oil Resin
Agroforestry uses:
Pistachio trees are beneficial in agroforestry for soil stabilization and erosion control. They can also improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and provide a habitat for various wildlife species.
Landscape Uses: Specimen. The seed yields up to 40% of a non-drying oil. It is not used commercially due to the high value of the seed for food[183]. Male trees yield a small quantity of a high-grade resin. It is used in paints, lacquers, etc. [74]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
No – Pistachios are wind-pollinated, and their flowers do not produce nectar, so they do not attract pollinators like bees.
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
Yes – The seeds (pistachio nuts) are eaten by a variety of wildlife, including birds and mammals. The tree also provides some shelter through its dense foliage, though it is not a primary nesting or roosting tree for many species.
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
Yes – Pistachio trees can offer some shelter to invertebrates in their rough bark and leaf litter, providing overwintering sites for small organisms.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
No – Pistachio trees do not have strong pest-repellent or confusing scents typically used to deter pests.
Special Uses
Carbon Farming
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Global Crop Management: Coppice Management: Standard Other Systems: Strip intercrop Staple Crop: Protein-oil
Requires a sunny position in a deep well-drained light soil[200]. Succeeds in dry soils. Does well in light calcareous soils[200]. Grows well on poor soils[200]. Prefers long hot summers and low humidity[200]. Plants are not very hardy in Britain and are unlikely to succeed outdoors in any but the mildest areas of the country. They will be hardier in areas with long hot summers that will thoroughly ripen the wood. Plants are prone to fungal root rots[200]. The pistachio nut is often cultivated for its edible seed in warm temperate areas, there are many named forms[183]. It is very unlikely to produce a crop of seeds in Britain, simply because the summers here are not hot enough or long enough[K]. Any pruning that needs to be done is best carried out in the spring[238]. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. One male plant for every five females is adequate[200]. Special Features:
Edible, Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms. Pistachios are generally harvested in late summer to early autumn, typically from August to September (Northern Hemisphere), when the nuts are fully ripe and the shells begin to crack open.
Pistachio trees usually flower in spring, typically between March and April (Northern Hemisphere), depending on local climate conditions.
Pistachio trees grow at a moderate rate, typically reaching maturity in about 5 to 7 years for initial nut production. Full production potential may take 15 to 20 years, depending on the growing conditions and care. Pistachio trees are not self-fertile. They require cross-pollination between male and female trees for effective nut production.
Carbon Farming
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Global Crop
These crops are already grown or traded around the world. The annual value of each is more than $1 billion US Examples include coconuts, almonds, and bananas.
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Management: Coppice
Cut to the ground repeatedly - resprouting vigorously. Non-destructive management systems maintaining the soil organic carbon.
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Management: Standard
Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.
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Other Systems: Strip intercrop
Tree crops grown in rows with alternating annual crops.
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Staple Crop: Protein-oil
(16+ percent protein, 16+ percent oil). Annuals include soybeans, peanuts, sunflower seeds. Perennials include seeds, beans, nuts, and fruits such as almond, Brazil nut, pistachio, walnut, hazel, and safou.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Pre-soak the seed for 16 hours in alkalized water[78], or for 3 - 4 days in warm water[1], and sow late winter in a cold frame or greenhouse[78, 113]. Two months cold stratification may speed up germination, so it might be better to sow the seed in early winter[113]. The germination is variable and can be slow. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on the plants for at least their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out into their permanent positions in early summer and consider giving some protection from winter cold for their first year or two outdoors[K]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood from juvenile trees, July in a frame[113]. Layering.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Pistachio Nut
Native Range
TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan (north), Iran (northeast), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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