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What are Fire-Resistant plants?*
Fire-resistant plants are those that do not readily ignite from a flame or other ignition sources.
These plants can be damaged or even killed by fire; however, their foliage and stems do not significantly contribute to the fuel and, therefore, the fire’s intensity. There are several other
significant factors that influence the fire characteristics of plants, including plant moisture content, age, total volume, dead material, and chemical content.
Plants that are fire-resistant have the following characteristics:
Leaves are moist and supple.
Plants have little dead wood and tend not to accumulate dry, dead material within the
plant.
Sap is water-like and does not have a strong odor.
Sap or resin materials are low.
Most deciduous trees and shrubs are fire-resistant.
Taking Action
When landscaping around a home, most homeowners are interested in creating a landscape that is
aesthetically pleasing, complements their home, and has variations in color, texture, flowers, and foliage. When selecting plants, you also should consider the flammability of
plants (i.e., fuel), particularly if your home is located in or adjacent to a forest or rangeland.
Homeowners should take active steps to minimize or reduce the fuel and fire hazard around their homes, including the use of fire resistant
plants in the landscape. Equally important is proper plant placement, plant spacing, and ongoing plant maintenance. These practices, when combined, can create a fuel break and help protect your
home by blocking intense heat.
Flammable plant material in your landscape can increase the fire risk directly around your home. The 1991 Oakland Hills fire in California
is a prime example of how flammable plant material (Eucalyptus trees) can act as fuel and contribute to the intensity of a wildfire. More than 3,000 homes were destroyed.
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information about fire-resistant plants
* Most of the information on this page, and more can be found in
Fire-Resistant Plants for Home Landscapes,
a Pacific Northwest Extension publication, PNW 590 - August 2006. | 
