Farm & Ranch
The Garden Guy – The Chinese Pistache Tree
By Norman Winter
The flaming fall foliage of the Chinese pistache trees stands as visual testaments that they are indeed champions of color. The fiery oranges, reds and yellows scream as if to say, “Look at me.” Believe me, you will, and if you are packing a camera, you will take a photo. They are not to be ignored.
When I was director of the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, I would walk by an old specimen every day and then out of the blue, so to speak, I noticed an old USDA tag hanging down that said it was planted in 1938. Happy 80th birthday!
This tree stands as one of the true testaments to one of our country’s great plant exploration acquisitions, the Chinese pistache. This was discovered by plant explorer and horticultural hero, if you will, Frank Meyer.
If you are not familiar with the Chinese pistache, botanically speaking it is known as Pistacia chinensis. I first became acquainted with the Chinese pistache when it was selected as a Texas Super Star Winner. Texas fall color is sometimes hard to come by, but this tree is rock solid and reliable. In California, it has been used as a rootstock for the delicious pistachio nut trees, though other species have now been chosen.
The Chinese pistache is also drought tolerant. It is recommended in places like New Mexico and Arizona and is native to Western China. When selecting your location, keep in mind that it does not like wet winter feet, so choose a site that drains well.
It is cold hardy from zones six through nine, meaning from St. Louis to Orlando, gardeners can relish the dark green leaves that become a blaze of fall color.
To read more pick up a copy of the November 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Heather Welper
Husband and wife duo, Heather and Calvin Welper, are the Co-Owners and Operators or Two C Livestock, located in Valley View, Texas.
The pair’s operation has a show cattle focus where they raise and sell purebred heifers of all breeds and club calf Hereford steers.
When it comes to show cattle, the Welpers know a thing or two including how to prepare for the cold winter months and the Texas major show season run.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Hannah Claxton, Editor
As the sun rises each day, so do the dozens of mouths that Meghan McGovern is responsible for getting fed. Rather than the sounds of a rooster crowing, McGovern hears the bellows and bleats of a variety of exotic deer, the chortle of kangaroos, the grunts of water buffaloes, and the chirps of a lemur.
Nestled against the banks of the Red River, the Double M Ranch and Rescue, with its high game fences and deer sprinkling the landscape,s its in stark contrast to the surrounding ranches.
“Having deer is kind of like eating potato chips- you can never actually have just one,” said McGovern with a laugh.
McGovern has several herds to take care of- fallow deer, axis deer, water buffalo, goats, and bison. In smaller numbers, there’s also a few kangaroos, a lemur, a potbelly pig, a pair of zebras, a watusi, and a few horses.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Barry Whitworth, DVM, MPH
With the prolonged drought, most pastures in Oklahoma end up in poor condition. With the lack of available forage, animals may go in search of alternative foods.
If oak trees are in the pastures, acorns may be a favorite meal for some livestock in the fall. This may result in oak poisoning.
Oak leaves, twigs, buds, and acorns may be toxic to some animals when consumed.
To read more, pick up a copy of the November edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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