D. Sissoo is native to the foothills of the Himalayas. It is primarily found growing along river banks below elevation, but can range naturally up to . The temperature in its native range averages , but varies from just below freezing to nearly . It can withstand average annual rainfall up to and droughts of 3-4 months. Soils range from pure sand and gravel to rich alluvium of river banks; shisham can grow in slightly saline soils. Seedlings are intolerant of shade.