Saturday, September 12, 2009

Texas Pistache (Pistacia Texana)...click this too!!



Abstract:
Tree is Drought Tolerant evergreen, needing little water. Can act as a great privacy(& sound) barrier in tight urban settings. Known as a shrub or small tree with clusters of small fernlike leaves, emanating from slender branches along multiple trunks.

Typical height is 10-20ft tall and 10 foot wide. Texas Pistache is in the Sumac family (ANACARDIACEAE). Highly adaptive as long as it has well drained, alkaline soil and a sunny location.

Natural Habitat: Found in Mexico, central and southern Texas. Occurs abundantly in Texas along Rio Grande canyons, particularly
near the intersection of the Pecos River. It can be grown in Central Texas and I have successfully grown several in Northwest, Austin.

Flowers & Fruit: The tree is Dioecious(two households - greek), meaning male and female trees are required for reproduction. The female tree bears white flowers, followed, in late summer by red to purple berry clusters. Birds and wildlife are attracted to the berries. Game and livestock will browse these berries as well.

Propagation: Can be propogated from seed or hardwood root stock. If seed, best to germinate immediately after harvest in August or September timeframe.

No comments:

Post a Comment