Atlas mastic tree Plant Care

Atlas mastic tree (Pistacia atlantica) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Pistacia genus. Atlas mastic tree is also known as Mount Atlas mastic tree, Atlantic pistachio.

Atlas mastic tree displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Atlas mastic tree produces inconspicuous greenish flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Atlas mastic tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Atlas mastic tree thrives in full sun.

Pistacia atlantica tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Atlas mastic tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Atlas mastic tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Atlas mastic tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Atlas mastic tree is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Atlas mastic tree can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Atlas mastic tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Atlas mastic tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Atlas mastic tree can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to karee plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Atlas mastic tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Atlas mastic tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Atlas mastic tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.