Chinese pistache - Pistacia chinesis

The third most common street tree in Sunnyvale is the Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinesis).

The Chinese pistache is native to China. It thrives in full sun, is pest and disease resistant, tolerates poor soil, and creates fiery red and orange colors in the fall. Once they mature they are also drought tolerant. 


Nightingale Ave and Leighton Way, Sunnyvale, CA

The leaves are alternate, pinnate (i.e. pairs are arranged across a common axis), approximately 1" long, with 10 or 12 leaflets. When this photograph was taken in early July, the light green stony fruit (drupes) were visible (center of the photograph). Each drupe contains one seed.



Where to find them: Chinese pistache are very common in Sunnyvale. Some examples of Sunnyvale streets with lots of Chinese pistache include Lorne Way, Parrot Ave, Flamingo Way, West Knickerbocker Drive, and Mango Ave.

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