Fire-Resistant plants for home landscapes

by Bill Maison

Fire resistant plants are plants that don't readily ignite from a flame or other ignition sources. Although they can be damaged or even killed by fire, their foliage and stems don't contribute significantly to the fuel and therefore, the fire's intensity. These plants have the following characteristics:

• Leaves are moist and supple.
• Have little dead wood and tend not to accumulate dry, dead material within the plant or around the base of the plant.
• Sap is water-like and does not have a strong odor.

Most deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves) and shrubs are fire-resistant. However, it's important to remember that even fire-resistant plants can burn, particularly if they are not maintained in a healthy condition.

Both ornamental and native plants can be highly flammable. An example of highly flammable shrubs often planted in home landscapes are the ornamental juniper and cypress, avoid planting these plants around or near your home.

Most plants that are highly flammable have these general characteristics:

• Contain fine, dry or dead material within the plant such as twigs, needles, and leaves.
• Leaves, twigs, and stems that contain waxes or oils.
• Leaves are aromatic (strong smell when crushed)
• Sap is gummy, resinous and has a strong odor.
• May have loose or papery bark.

The one problem with fire resistant plants is that they usually require more water to survive during the summer months.

Following is a list of fire resistive plants and by no means is this list complete. Please check with your local nursery for a more complete list, and if these plants will grow in your area.

Groundcover under 18 inches tall
Carpet Bugleweed, Hens and Chicks, Ajuga, Wild Strawberry, Creeping Phlox, Sedum,

Groundcover over 18 inches tall
Yarrow. Daylilies, Chives, Coral bells, Sea thrift, Hosta lilies, Basket-of-Gold Iris. Heartleaf bergenia, Red-hot poker, Sedges, Blue flax, Lupine, Evening primrose

Shrubs and Broadleaf plants (evergreen)
Cotoneaster, Creeping holly, Rhododendron, Western azalea, Yucca

Shrubs and Broadleaf plants (deciduous)
Vine Maple, Butterfly Bush, Mockorange, Wood's Rose

Again please check with the local nursery before planting any of these plants.

Until next week Be FireWise.

Sponsored by:

Click the logo for property fire protection.