Fire-resistant California Friendly® plants
California Friendly® plants aren’t only drought-tolerant. They’re beautiful, too, and many are fire-resistant as well. Dozens of varieties have been endorsed for use by Southern California fire agencies.
Of course, nothing is fireproof, including plants. But is it possible to have plants that save water and protect against fire at the same time? Absolutely.
But creating a fire-resistant barrier around your home involves far more than picking out the right plants.
Keeping them pruned and maintained is an important fire protection tool. Keep low-growing plants within 30 feet of the home; remove dead and dying vegetation and keep plants properly spaced. The closer the plants are to the house, the more care that needs to be taken.
We strongly encourage you to check the detailed guidelines provided by agencies such as the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Orange County Fire Authority, and the San Diego County’s land use and environment department. Another great resource is the Firewise WEB site, created by the National Wildlife Coordinating Group; and the State of California’s site.
SHRUBS
Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) This magenta, crimson and green beauty is endorsed by Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County authorities.
This deciduous shrub ranges from 6'-20' tall and 10'-15' wide. It is desirable for its magenta spring flowers, yellow to red fall color, and dangling winter seed pods. It is tolerant of many soil types, drought and oak root fungus. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Concha California Lilac (Ceanothus 'Concha') Concha is a lilac that grows 6'-8' in height and width. It has small narrow leaves with intense dark blue flower clusters in spring. It is tolerant of coastal and inland conditions.
The entire Ceanothus species is endorsed by Los Angeles County Fire Department and the County of San Diego land use and environment department.
Pumpkin Monkey Flower (Mimulus 'Pumpkin') – This entire species is endorsed for use by San Diego County planners and the Los Angeles and Orange County fire departments. Be sure to check out the drought-tolerant varieties.
Mimulus 'Pumpkin' is one of the best performing and 'garden tolerant' of the dry Mimulus species/hybrids. Although it still requires well drained soil and drier conditions in most environments, it stays evergreen and can bloom through the year with supplemental summer water when other varieties will die. It reaches 18"-24" tall and 18"-24" wide and blooms profusely with two toned, pumpkin orange flowers. It is truly stunning and effective in the garden, especially in mass.
Hot Lips Sage (Salvia 'Hot Lips') - Nothing evokes California quite like a sage-scented hillside. Beloved by hummingbirds and firefighters alike, the entire sage species is endorsed by the Los Angeles County Fire department.
Hot Lips Sage is a long-blooming Sage that blooms all summer with eye-catching red and white bicolor flowers. The nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Hot Lips Sage has distinctive, brilliantly colored flowers that make 'Hot Lips' Salvia a special selection. Blooming from spring until hard frost in fall, the flower color will vary seasonally. In the cooler times of spring and fall, the flowers are strongly bi-colored red and white. When it's hot, the flowers go solid red. Regardless of the time of the growing season, this ever-blooming selection is a beauty. The plant makes a small shrub with age and thrives in poor soils with plenty of heat and sun.
TREES
Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) - This Southland favorite is among two species endorsed by San Diego County, while Los Angeles and Orange County fire departments have several varieties on their fire-resistant list.
The Coast Live Oak is a slow growing, evergreen, round headed tree. It can reach 40' high and 20' wide; it grows very well from the coastal areas to the interior valleys. It is native to California, is drought tolerant, and attracts butterflies.
California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa) – Sycamores have delighted generations of Californians, and this particular variety is endorsed for use by Los Angeles and Orange County fire departments, and San Diego County.
The California Sycamore is a fast growing deciduous tree that reaches up to 40'-50' high. It tolerates heat, smog, and drought conditions as well as moist conditions; it is native to riparian areas. It has interesting mottled bark when the tree is bare in winter.
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) – A classic California native, it has white flowers in the summer and berries in the winter, it gets good marks from Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and the Inland Empire.
Toyon is a California native evergreen shrub/small tree that grows 20'-25' high and spreading 15'. It has leathery toothed leaves, white summer flowers and clusters of red winter berries. It tolerates full sun or partial shade, heat, smog, wind and heavy or light soils. It is drought tolerant, attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Wildlife love the berries. It's used as a screen or small shade tree. Very reliable and hardy.
PERENNIALS AND ANNUALS
California Fuschia (Epilobium canum) - This plant is one of the few perennials listed by Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties.
The California fuchsia is a perennial with dense, narrow, green gray foliage and red orange summer flowers. The growth habit of this plant is sprawling and low. The California fuchsia is native to California, is drought tolerant, and attracts hummingbirds.
Royal Beard Tongue (Penstemon spectabilis) - This particular variety is native to the Southland, but the entire species has been embraced by native plant enthusiasts and firefighters alike, and is approved for use in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties.
This shrubby perennial produces spectacular, blue purple to pink to white to red colored, tubular flowers on spikes, which is quite attractive to hummingbirds. Royal Beard Tongue can reach a mature size of about 3'-4' tall and wide. It is native to Southern California. It is best planted in the fall and blooms from spring through summer. It prefers well draining soil, full sun and low watering. It looks great in borders. Do not overwater!
GROUNDCOVER
Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) - Looking for a low-growing plant that you can plant next to your home? This species has the rare distinction of being approved by Los Angeles County fire department for any zone in your yard.
This perennial grows 4"-8" high with tooth-edged leaves and ornamental strawberries during the fall. Cut back or mow in early spring to encourage new growth.