Pistacia lentiscus 

OVERVIEW:

Pistacia Lentiscus commonly known as Mastic tree, is a large evergreen shrub or small tree growing up to 25 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Features aromatic, 4-inch-long green leaves, divided into 3-5 pairs of leaflets. Its stems are reddish in color when young and turns gray with maturity. Blooms are very small, green, and inconspicuous. Flowers are followed by inedible bright red berries in fall that turn black when ripe. Easily grown in full sun with a variety of well-drained soils in hot, dry locations. Once established, no supplemental water is required. Common as shrubs, hedges, or tree forms, and safe to plant around swimming pools and fountains being that they do not litter.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Pistacia lentiscus

Common Name: Mastic

Family: Pistaciaceae

Suggested Uses: Dense hedge (low-breaking), windbreak, screen, or patio tree 

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 20 -25ft

Foliage: green leaves, divided into 3-5 pairs of leaflets

Flower: green, inconspicuous 

Bloom Period: May -July

Fruit: Red fruits that mature to black

Bark: gray/brown with maturity

ENVIRONMENT:

Sun: Full sun

Water: Deep infrequent water 

Soil: variety- alkaline, acidic, loam, sand, clay well-drained

USDA Zone: 7-11