The Story
Plant Bio
Pistacia lentiscus is a dense, rounded, evergreen shrub or small tree native to the dry, rocky woodlands and scrublands of the Mediterranean Basin. It features strongly aromatic, leathery, paripinnate compound leaves with a distinctive winged central rachis and reddish-brown young stems that mature to gray.
This strictly dioecious species produces inconspicuous axillary panicles in spring, with male plants bearing dark red stamens and female plants producing small red drupes that mature to black. It is highly valued in arid landscapes for its exceptional drought tolerance, resistance to deer browsing, and ability to withstand saline coastal winds.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
300"
Width
358"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to Moderate
Lifespan
Long
Native To
Mediterranean Basin
Toxicity
Mild skin irritant
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with exceptionally well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but equal in depth to prevent settling.
- Position the plant so the root crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
- Backfill with native soil without adding organic amendments or fertilizer, and water in deeply once.
Pro Tip
Plant in exceptionally well-drained soil away from active turf irrigation, as standing water rapidly triggers fatal Phytophthora root rot. When shaping, avoid cutting back into old, leafless bare wood where dormant buds will fail to break.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Ensure strict soil drainage to prevent root rot pathogens.
- Prune annually or bi-annually to shape into a formal hedge or train as a small tree.
- Plant multiple unsexed specimens if you require pollination for berry production.
Don't
- Do not plant in irrigated turf zones or heavy, waterlogged soils.
- Do not apply fertilizer, as it forces weak growth and reduces drought resilience.
- Do not cut back into old, leafless bare wood when pruning.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Mastic Tree questions
What zones can Mastic Tree grow in?
Mastic Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Mastic Tree deer resistant?
Yes — Mastic Tree is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Mastic Tree bloom?
Mastic Tree typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Mastic Tree need full sun?
Mastic Tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Mastic Tree drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mastic Tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Pistacia to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Mastic Tree with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.