Chinese pistache Anacardiaceae Pistacia chinensis Bunge symbol: PICH4 Leaf: Alternate, pinnately compound, 10 to 12 inches long, 10 to 12 lanceolate to narrow ovate leaflets, entire margins, tapering pointed tips, shiny green above, paler below. Flower: Species is dioecious; red to green, males in tight 2 to 3 inch long clusters along last years stem, females in loser, longer groups, somewhat showy since they appear before the leaves in early spring. Fruit: Bright red (later turning dark blue), round drupe, 1/2 inch in diameter, in long grape like cluster that ripen in early fall. Twig: Stout, gray-brown, numerous lighter lenticels, terminal buds large and ovate with obvious large scales; large shield-shaped, raised leaf scars. Bark: Gray-brown with shallow reddish brown furrows, later forming rectangular to almost square flat-topped ridges. Form: Small tree reaching up to 40 feet tall with a nearly equal spread. Looks like: peppertree - Brazilian peppertree - prairie sumac - soapberry Additional Range Information: Pistacia chinensis is planted in the USDA hardiness zones shown above and may seed into the landscape. See states reporting Chinese pistache. External Links: USDA Plants Database Horticulture