Mastic tree

Pistacia lentiscus

Layer 3 · Shrubs
Attracts pollinators

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean basin, highly resistant to drought and poor soils. Its leathery leaves release a characteristic resinous aroma, and its extracted resin has a long history of use. In a food forest, it forms an excellent protective hedge and shelter for beneficial wildlife.

It is harvested now — September is one of the harvest months.

See which trees mastic tree grows well with

These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Low
Light: Full sun
Size: Shrub up to 4 m
Mature diameter: 3 m
Soils: Sandy, Loam, Clay, Limestone
Climates: Atlantic coast, Hot, dry Mediterranean

Calendar

January
February — Planting
March — Planting
April
May
June
July
August — Harvest
September — Harvest
October — Harvest — Planting
November — Planting
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: The resin known as mastic is traditionally chewed for oral hygiene and to aid in the treatment of gastric ulcers.

Where to buy

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.