Kerman pistachio trees, which bear the rich, crunchy nuts that make it this country's most popular commercial pistachio, share orchard space with wild, rare and uncultivated relatives.

Pistachio trees will often grow in poor soil where other trees will not survive. More important to their survival is the proper climate. Pistachio trees thrive in hot dry summer weather and prefer cool winters. They do not do well in humid or damp areas. California's Central Valley, some inland areas of Southern California, and the dry areas of the Southwest are ideal. Considered small trees, pistachio trees typically grow from16 feet to 32 feet high.