HomeMy WebLinkAboutExh G-003 Horman 06-08-2026 E £
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Planning Commission Public Comments and Testimony
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Please fill out the form, below,to submit comments on a pending land use application.All written comments
and materials are due by the deadline listed on the Notice.Submittals received by the deadline will be
entered into the public record of file and will be considered by the decision body.Contact the
Staff Coordinator listed on the Notice if you have questions.
Case Number* Please see the Notice for the Land Use Case number. If you do not see your case in the
list,the comment period is not yet open or has ended;check the Notice for dates.
LU 26-0014 Tree Code Amendments
Case Number- LU 26-0014 Tree Code Amendments
Verification* Please re-select the case number to ensure the comment routes to the appropriate case.
First Name* Tom
Last Name* Horman
Address Street Address
5200 SW Meadows Rd.,Ste. 150
Address Line 2
City State/Province/Region
Lake Oswego OR
Postal/Zip Code
97035
Email* tom@aptnets.com
Please type your comments in the box below,or you may upload a PDF of the comments.Videos must be MP4s. PDF and
MP4 attachments may not exceed 250 MB in combined size. If you have other media types, please contact
pctestimony@I akeoswego.city to coordinate submission to the public record.
Comments* Hello,
Here is a copy of what my testimony statements will be,and an additional reference
document published by experts in Idaho,which has a comprehensive listing of tree
types,and their relative fire risk ratings.
Thank you,
Tom
File Upload Idaho-FireXResistanceXofXPlantsXMasterXDatabase.pdf 1.53MB
TH presentation 2026-06-08.pdf 100.98KB
PDF or MP4 formats only,total attachment maximum size is 250 MB
Page 1
Good evening, Planning Commissioners; thank you for your service to our community.
I’m Tom Horman, residing at 1660 Campus Way
As a past member and Chair of the Forest Grove Planning Commission, I know what it’s
like to do your job. I have submitted several supporting documents that provide you
with science based details, from the likes of the National Fire Protection Association,
Oregon State University, and Oregon’s Fire Marshal. I know that it will probably take you
a few hours to read all of them. I haven’t done that out of any desire to have you waste
your time; rather, having the knowledge that they will provide to you, is what it will take
for you to know that the statements of fact that I will be making in this testimony, are
true statements of fact, and not based on personal opinion.
I am here to point out that there is a major problem with our tree code, and the
proposed updates, do not address it. If I’ve overlooked something, please let me know.
But, as I read it, there is no provision to even consider, let alone address, the fire safety
risks associated with most trees, especially large conifers.
By having a tree code that requires people to keep large conifers that are located close
to their homes, you cause those residents to have a dramatically increased risk of severe
harm to themselves and their property, or even death from a fire that can quickly sweep
through large portions our neighborhoods. We, in L.O., have been lucky so far.
However, you may remember that in 2020 and 2021, the fire risk was so great that many
people worried that such a fire could happen at any time, and the City of Lake Oswego
issued a state-of-emergency, asking residents to refrain from doing anything in their yard
that could produce a spark.
Page 2
Perhaps the peer reviewed publication from OSU, titled “Fire-resistant Plants for Home
Landscapes”, says it best by stating, “Don’t plant conifers next to a home.” It also states,
“If you choose to use a specialty conifer, plant it as far away from the home as possible,
with few fire-wise plants near it. You can plant conifers in the extended zone (30–100
feet) outwards, with no other plant material around them.”
I offer these statements of fact:
• Climate change is real.
• Global warming will continue for at least as long as the causes of climate change
continue to exist.
• More extreme weather events will occur, driven by the warmer air and water
conditions; higher winds and heavier rain storms are likely, and longer periods of
drought are expected.
• As the Pacific Northwest experiences warmer and drier conditions over time, many of
its native trees that thrived in cooler and wetter conditions (especially large conifers),
will struggle to survive. And, as the trees become drier, they will become more
susceptible to wildfire.
• Cities such as Oakland and L.A.’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood in California, Lahaina
in Maui, Hawaii, and our Oregon cities of Rowena, The Dalles, Burns, Ukiah, Condon,
Maupin and Ontario have all experienced homes lost to wildfires, and the ones that
have the larger number of homes lost, also had several deaths.
• All conifer trees , including Douglas fir trees, except ponderosa pine and western
larch, are rated in the highest risk category for wildfire risks around homes.
• Fire prevention experts advise against having conifer trees within 30 feet of a home.
• Compared to conifer trees, trees that have a lower fire risk rating, such as deciduous
trees, can provide similar or better shade benefits in the hotter months, and better
warmth from sun exposure in the colder months, and can be promoted as good
options for new or mitigation trees to be planted within most neighborhoods, where
lot sizes tend to be too small for the safe placement of conifer trees.
• As a matter of public safety, people must be allowed to take reasonable steps to
protect themselves and others on their property from known hazards, especially ones
that can cause severe damage or death.
Page 3
• Forcing a property owner to keep a known high risk tree that is located where any
part of its crown (everything above the ground) is less than 6 feet away from a home,
leaves our city management and staff who oversee the tree code enforcement, the
city governing bodies such as the Mayor and City Council members, and the Planning
Commission members exposed to possible criminal and civil penalties if that tree
causes, or contributes to, a fire that results in the loss of their home, or if anyone is
serious injured or killed
Therefore, I urge you to make additional changes to the tree code to address the risks
from wildfire, and give residents who have trees that violate defensible space guidelines,
a process that allows them to take appropriate actions to comply with those guidelines.
Pruning should be the preferred method of providing the defensible space, but tree
removal will also need to allowed when pruning would not be sufficient. An example
would be when the tree’s trunk is within 6 feet of a house, or when it is a little more
than 6 feet away, but an Arborist concludes that the extensive pruning that would be
required, is not a viable option.
Plant species have been organized by plant type from more fire resistant to less fire resistant as shown above.
As a cooperative project with the Bureau of Land Management, the College of Western Idaho Horticulture
and the Idaho Botanical Garden, extensive research and testing of over 400 species and cultivars are included
in this database and summarize a list of species suggested for each Firewise Landscape Zone.
Fire Resistance of Plants Master Database
& Placement of Species Within Firewise Landscape Zones
For Southern Idaho
Idaho residents who live in or near the urban/rangeland interface endure higher risk for fire-related
property damage, as well as greater peril to their families, pets and livestock. Understanding those risks and
making changes in landscaping techniques can help keep rangeland fires from becoming disasters at home.
The figure below shows a Firewise Landscape Design using a progression of "Zones".
This Database has been developed as tool for homeowners, property managers and the landscape
nursery industry to utilize for plant species and placement choices within a Firewise Landscape using the Zone
concept shown above.
Table of Contents Page #'s
Zone One Species 3 - 8
Zone Two Species 9 - 15
Zone Three Species 16 - 17
Succulents 18 - 19
Groundcovers 20 - 24
Turf Grasses 25 - 26
Vines 27 - 29
Annuals 30 - 31
Perennials 32 - 44
Shrubs 45 - 55
Deciduous Trees 56 - 60
Non Turf Grasses 61 - 62
Conifers 63 - 64
Acknowledgements 65
& Placement of Species Within Firewise Landscape Zones
Fire Resistance of Plants Master Database
2
*Fire Resistance Score correlates to the respective Firewise Zone and minimum suggested distance from your home.
Example: A species with a Fire Resistance Score of 9 could be located 20' or greater from your home.
Botanical name Common name
Succulents
Opuntia spp.Prickly Pear Cactus 10
Sedum lanceolatum Yellow Stonecrop 10
Sedum reflexum 'Blue Spruce' Stonecrop 10
Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' Stonecrop 10
Sedum sichotense Stonecrop 10
Sedum sieboldii October Daphne Stonecrop 10
Sedum spathulifolium 'Cape Blanco' Stonecrop 10
Sedum spp.Stonecrop 10
Sedum spurium 'Blaze of Fulda' Stonecrop 10
Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood' Stonecrop 10
Sedum telephium 'Black Jack' Autumn Stonecrop 10
Sedum telephium 'Matrona' Stonecrop 10
Sempervivum spp.Hens & Chicks 10
Groundcovers
Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum' Bishop's Weed 8
Ajuga reptans Ajuga 8
Antennaria dioica 'Rubra' Pussytoes 8
Antennaria microphylla Little-leaf Pussytoes 8
Antennaria parvifolia Small-leaf Pussytoes 8
Antennaria rosea Rosy Pussytoes 8
Arabis spp.Rockcress 8
Aubrieta spp.False Rockcress 8
Aurinia saxatilis Basket-of-Gold 8
Callirhoe involucrata Poppy Mallow 8
Cerastium alpinum v. lanthanum Alpine Mouse-Ears 8
Zone 1 Species List count 177
Fire
Resistance
Score
10' 20' 30' 40' 50' 60' 70' 80' 90' 100'+
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Fire Resistance Score
Minimum
Distance from your Home
Native
3
Groundcovers continued
Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-Summer 8
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides Hardy Plumbago 8
Convallaria majalis Lily-of-the-Valley 10
Delosperma basuticum White Eyed Ice Plant 10
Delosperma cooperi Pink Ice Plant 10
Delosperma hybrid 'John Proffit' Ice Plant 10
Delosperma nubigenum Yellow Ice Plant 10
Echeveria spp.Hens & Chicks 8
Ephedra regeliana Creeping Ephedra 8
Fragaria spp.Wild Strawberries 9
Galium boreale Northern Bedstraw 8
Galium odoratum Sweet Woodruff 8
Lamium spp.Dead Nettle 8
Liriope spp.Liriope 8
Marrubium rotundifolium Silver Edged Horehound 8
Nierembergia repens Creeping White Cup 8
Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Sheen' Spurge 8
Penstemon caespitosus Mat Penstemon 8
Penstemon davidsonii Davidson's Penstemon 8
Penstemon davidsonii v. menziesii 'Microphyllus' Green Mat Penstemon 8
Saponaria ocymoides 'Alba' White Flowered Soapwort 10
Saponaria ocymoides Rock Soapwort 10
Saponaria officinalis Bouncing Bett 10
Saponaria x lempergii Giant Flowered Soapwort 8
Thymus serphyllum 'Minus' Creeping Thyme 8
Veronica liwanensis Turkish Speedwell 8
Veronica oltensis Thyme-leaf Speedwell 8
Vinca minor Periwinkle 8
Waldsteinia spp.Barren Strawberry 8
Turf
Buchloe dactyloides Buffalograss 9
Bouteloua gracilis Blue Grama 9
Festuca ovina Sheep Fescue 9
Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass 10
Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass 9
Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass 10
Zoysia japonica Zoysiagrass 10
4
Vines
Humulus lupulus Hops 8
Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris Climbing hydrangea 8
Lonicera sempervirens 'Magnifica' Trumpet Honeysuckle 8
Lonicera spp. & hybrids Honeysuckle 8
Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia Creeper 8
Vitis spp.Grapes 8
Vitis vinifera 'Purpurea' Purpleleaf Grape 8
Annuals
Eschscholzia californica California Poppy 10
Lobularia maritima Sweet Alyssum 8
Perennials
Alchemilla spp.Lady's Mantle 8
Allium cernuum Nodding Onion 10
Allium christophii Star of Persia 10
Allium geyeri Geyer Onion 10
Allium karataviense 'Ivory Queen' Onion 10
Allium schubertii Tumbleweed Onion 10
Aquilegia spp.Columbine 8
Armeria maritima 'Rubrifolia' Sea Thrift 8
Armeria maritima Sea Thrift 8
Asclepias tuberosa Orange Butterfly Weed 8
Aster laevis Smooth Aster 8
Aster porteri Porter Aster 8
Astragalus utahensis Utah Milkvetch 8
Bergenia cordifolia Bergenia 8
Calochortus spp.Mariposa Lily 8
Carex spp.Sedges 8
Centranthus ruber Jupiter's Beard 10
Convallaria majalis Lily of the Valley 8
Coreopsis grandiflora 'Grand Flying Saucers' Coreopsis 8
Coreopsis rosea 'Heavens Gate' Tickseed 8
Coreopsis spp.Coreopsis 8
Coreopsis tinctoria Prairie Coreopsis 8
Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Tiny Rubies' Dianthus 9
Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch' Dianthus 9
Dianthus petraeus v. noeanus Dianthus 9
5
Perennials continued
Dianthus pinifolius Pineleaf Dianthus 9
Dianthus simulans Pinks 9
Dianthus sylvestris 'Monte Baldo' Dianthus 9
Diascia integerrima 'Coral Canyon' Twinspur 9
Erysimum linifolium Wallflower 9
Euonymus fortunei Winter Creeper 8
Euphorbia characias 'Blackbird' Spurge 10
Euphorbia polychroma Cushion Spurge 10
Euphorbia x martinii 'Mini Martini' Spurge 10
Gaillardia grandiflora 'Arizona Sun' Blanket Flower 8
Gaillardia x aristata 'Bijou' Blanket Flower 8
Gaillardia x aristata 'Oranges & Lemons' Blanket Flower 8
Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Goblin' Blanket Flower 8
Geranium caespitosum Wild Geranium 8
Geranium spp.Hardy Geraniums 8
Geranium striatum Bloody Cranesbill 8
Geum triflorum Prairie Smoke 8
Helianthemum nummularium Rockrose 8
Hemerocallis hybrid Daylillies 10
Hosta spp.Hostas 8
Iberis sempervirens 'Little Gem' Candytuft 8
Iris germanica Bearded Iris 8
Kniphofia uvaria 'Flamenco' Red Hot Poker 10
Kniphofia uvaria Red-hot Poker 8
Lathyrus odoratus 'Winter Elegance' Sweet Pea 10
Lathyrus spp.Sweet Pea 9
Lilium spp.Lillies 10
Linum perenne Blue Flax 8
Lotus corniculatus Birdfoot Trefoil 8
Lupinus spp.Lupine 8
Medicago hybrid Grazer Alfalfa 10
Medicago hybrid Creeping Alfalfa 10
Medicago sativa 'Ladak' Alfalfa 10
Muscari armeniacum Grape Hyacinth 10
Nierembergia gracilis 'Starry Eyes'8
Oenothera berlanderi ‘Twilight’ Primrose 8
Oenothera speciosa Showy Primrose 8
Papaver orientale Oriental Poppy 9
Penstemon barbatus ‘Red Riding Hood’ Penstemon 8
Penstemon barrettiae Barrett's Beardtongue 8
6
Perennials continued
Penstemon cobaea Foxglove Penstemon 8
Penstemon cyaneus Blue Penstemon 8
Penstemon davidsonii v. davidsonii Davidson's Penstemon 8
Penstemon eatonii Firecracker Penstemon 8
Penstemon fruticosus Shrubby Penstemon 8
Penstemon hybrid 'Prairie Splendor' Penstemon 8
Penstemon mexicali Beard Tongue Penstemon 8
Penstemon pachyphyllus Thickleaf Penstemon 8
Penstemon palmeri Palmer Penstemon 8
Penstemon payettensis Payette Beardtongue 8
Penstemon pinifolius Pineleaf Penstemon 8
Penstemon pinifolius 'Mersea Yellow' Penstemon 8
Penstemon strictus Rocky Mountain Penstemon 8
Penstemon whippleanus Whipple's Penstemon 8
Polemonium spp.Jacobs Ladder 8
Polygonatum commutatum Solomon's Seal 8
Saxifraga hirsuta Saxifrage 8
Scutellaria alpina 'Moonbeam' Skullcap 8
Solidago sphacelata 'Golden Fleece' Goldenrod 8
Thermopsis divaricarpa Spreadfruit Goldenbanner 8
Trifolium spp.Clover 8
Veronica pectinata Speedwell 8
Shrubs
Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea Nana' Crimson Pygmy Barberry 8
Ceanothus americanus 'New Jersey Tea' Ceanothus 8
Cylindropuntia spp.Cholla Cactus 8
Philadelphus coronarius 'Aureus' Golden Leaf Mockorange 8
Philadelphus hybrid 'Buckley's Quill' Mockorange 8
Philadelphus hybrid 'Blizzard' Mockorange 8
Philadelphus lewisii 'Cheyenne' Mockorange 8
Philadelphus pekinensis Peking Mockorange 8
Philadelphus virginalis 'Minnesota Snowflake' Mockorange 8
Philadelphus x hybrid 'Snowbelle' Mockorange 8
Philadelphus x lemoinei 'Manteau d'Hermine' Dwarf Mockorange 8
Philadelphus x virginalis 'Dwarf Snowflake' Mockorange 8
Rhus trilobata 'Autumn Amber' Sumac 8
Symphoricarpos albus Snowberry 8
Yucca filamentosa 'Ivory Tower' Yucca 8
Yucca glauca Great Plains Yucca 8
7
Deciduous
Malus hybrid 'Dolgo' Crabapple 8
Malus hybrid 'Cinderella' Dwarf Crabapple 8
Malus sargentii 'Roselow' Sargent Crabapple 8
Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac 8
8
*Fire Resistance Score correlates to the respective Firewise Zone and minimum suggested distance from your home.
Example: A species with a Fire Resistance Score of 9 could be located 20' or greater from your home.
Botanical name Common name
Succulents
Agave havardiana Century Plant 7
Hesperaloe parviflora Texas Red Yucca 7
Groundcovers
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Kinnikinnick 5
Artemisia caucasica Caucasica Sage 6
Artemisia viridis 'Tiny Green' Creeping Artemisia 6
Bellium minutum Miniature Mat Daisy 7
Phlox subulata Creeping Phlox 7
Stachys byzantina 'Helen Von Stein' Lamb's Ear 6
Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ear 5
Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' Lamb's Ear 6
Stachys monieri 'Hummelo' Betony 5
Thymus praecox Creeping Thyme 6
Thymus praecox arcticus Mother of Thyme 6
Vines
Actinidia kolomikta 'Arctic Beauty' Kiwi Vine 6
Akebia Akebia 6
Bignonia capreolata 'Dragon Lady' Crossvine 6
Campsis radicans Trumpet vine 6
Campsis x tagliabuana 'Madame Galen' Trumpet Creeper 6
Clematis spp.Clematis 6
Clematis terniflora Sweet Autumn Clematis 5
Zone 2 Species List count 235
Fire
Resistance
Score
10' 20' 30' 40' 50' 60' 70' 80' 90' 100'+
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Fire Resistance Score
Minimum
Distance from your Home
Native
9
Vines continued
Lycium barbarum Matrimony Vine 6
Polygonum aubertii Silver Lace Vine 6
Wisteria spp.Wisteria 6
Annuals
Cleome serrulata Rocky Mountain Bee Plant 5
Hordeum vulgare Barley 7
Lolium temulentum Annual Ryegrass 5
Mirabilis jalapa Four O'clock 7
Papaver spp.Annual Poppy 7
Viola spp.Johnny Jump-up 5
Perennials
Acantholimon hohenackeri Prickly Dianthus 7
Alcea rosea Hollyhock 5
Alcea rosea 'Peaches & Dreams' Hollyhock 5
Anemone blanda Grecian Windflowers 7
Arabis spp.Rockcress 7
Artemisia arborescens 'Powis Castle' Artemisia 6
Artemisia arbortanum 'Tangerine' Sage 5
Artemisia frigida Fringed Sage 5
Artemisia ludoviciana Prairie Sage 5
Artemisia spp.Wormwood 7
Artemisia stellerana Dusty Miller 7
Baptisia hybrid 'Twilite Prairieblues' False Indigo 7
Baptisia sphaerocarpa Yellow Baptisia 7
Chrysanthemum maximum Shasta Daisy 5
Cistus purpureus Orchid Rockrose 5
Delphinium spp.Delphinium 7
Echinacea angustifolia Narrow-leaved Coneflower 7
Echinacea hybrid 'Pixie Meadowbrite' Coneflower 7
Echinacea hybrid 'Arts Pride' Coneflower 7
Echinacea hybrid 'Harvest Moon' Coneflower 7
Echinacea hybrid 'Sunrise' Coneflower 7
Echinacea paradoxa Ozark Coneflower 7
Echinacea pupurea Purple Coneflower 7
Echinacea purpurea 'Kim's Knee High' Coneflower 7
Echinacea purpurea 'Red Knee High' Coneflower 7
10
Perennials continued
Echinacea purpurea 'Jade' Coneflower 7
Echinacea purpurea 'Tiki Torch' Coneflower 7
Echinacea x tennesseenis 'Rocky Top' Coneflower 7
Epilobium angustifolium Fireweed 7
Erigeron linearis Desert Yellow Fleabane 7
Eriogonum umbellatum Sulphur Buckwheat 7
Gaillardia aristata Blanket Flower 7
Helianthella quinquenervis Aspen Sunflower 7
Helianthus pumilus Small Sunflower 7
Helianthus salicifolius 'Low Down' Willow-leaved Sunflower 7
Heuchera spp.Coral Bells 7
Hymenoxys scaposa Thrift-leaf Perky Sue 7
Lewisia x longipetala 'Little Plum' Lewisia 7
Liatris aspera Tall Blazing Star 7
Liatris punctata Dotted Gay Feather 7
Limonium latifolium Sea Lavender 7
Linum lewisii Wild Blue Flax 7
Mirabilis multiflora Desert Four-o'clock 7
Nepeta subsessilis Catmint 5
Oenothera caespitosa White Stemless Evening Primrose 7
Oenothera macrocarpa Missouri Evening Primrose 7
Oenothera spp.Evening Primrose 7
Pelargonium endlicherianum Turkish Pelargonium 7
Penstemon alamosensis Los Alamos Beardtongue 7
Penstemon alamosensis ‘Alamo Canyon’ Penstemon 7
Penstemon anguineus Siskiyou Beardtongue 7
Penstemon arenicola Sand Penstemon 7
Penstemon cardwellii Cardwell's Beardtongue 7
Penstemon hybrid 'Bronco Orange' Penstemon 7
Phlox kelseyi 'Lemhi Purple' Phlox 7
Phlox paniculata 'Violet Flame' Phlox 7
Phlox subulata 'Scarlet Flame' Creeping Phlox 7
Potentilla fissa Leafy Potentilla 7
Pulsatilla patens Pasque Flower 7
Ratibida columnifera Mexican Hat 7
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldstrum' Black-eyed Susan 7
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Viette's Little Suzy' Black-eyed Susan 7
Rudbeckia fulgida v. fulgida Brown-eyed Susan 7
Rudbeckia fulgida v. sullivantii 'Little Goldstar' Rudbeckia 7
11
Perennials continued
Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan 7
Rudbeckia hirta hybrid 'Cherry Brandy' Rudbeckia 7
Rudbeckia maxima Giant Coneflower 7
Sanguisorba minor Small Burnet 7
Sanguisorba obtusa Burnet 7
Scutellaria baicalensis Chinese Skullcap 7
Scutellaria brittonii Skullcap 7
Scutellaria resinosa 'Smoky Hills' Skull Cap 7
Scutellaria spp.Skullcap 7
Senecio spartioides Broom Groundsel 7
Senecio spp.Groundsel 7
Solidago spp.Goldenrod 7
Sphaeralcea munroana Orange Globemallow 7
Sphaeralcea spp.Globemallow 7
Teucrium aroanium Grey Creeping Germander 7
Teucrium chamaedrys Germander 7
Teucrium cossoni Germander 7
Thalictrum fendleri Fendler Meadowrue 7
Tradescantia occidentalis Western Spiderwort 7
Xerophyllum tenax Beargrass 5
Zauschneria garrettii 'Mountain Flame' California Fuchsia 7
Zauschneria garrettii 'Orange Carpet' Trumpet Flower 7
Shrubs
Abeliophyllum distichum White Forsythia 6
Amelanchier alnifolia 'Regent' Dwarf Serviceberry 6
Amelanchier alnifolia Saskatoon Serviceberry 5
Amelanchier arborea 'Autumn Brilliance' Downy Serviceberry 5
Aronia arbutifolia Brilliant Red Chokeberry 5
Aronia melanocarpa Black Chokeberry 6
Atriplex canescens Four-wing Saltbush 6
Atriplex confertilfolia Shadscale Saltbush 5
Atriplex gardneri Gardner's Saltbush 6
Berberis spp.Crimson Barberry 6
Buddleia davidii Butterflybush 5
Caragana arborescens Siberian Peashrub 5
Caragana microphylla Little Leaf Peashrub 5
Caragana rosea Red Flower Pea Shrub 6
Ceanothus hybrid 'South Mead' Ceanothus 7
12
Shrubs continued
Ceanothus pallidus 'Marie Simon' Ceanothus 7
Ceanothus x delilianus 'Gloire de Versailles' Ceanothus 7
Chaenomeles japonica Dwarf Flowering Quince 5
Chaenomeles speciosa Common Flowering Quince 5
Chaenomeles x superba 'Texas Scarlet' Quince 6
Chaenomeles x superba 'Jet Trail' Flowering Quince 6
Chaenomeles x superba 'Spitfire' Quince 6
Cornus sericea 'Kelseyi' Dogwood 6
Cornus sericea Red-osier Dogwood 5
Cotoneaster adpressa 'Praecox' Creeping Cotoneaster 7
Cotoneaster dammeri 'Mooncreeper' Bearberry 7
Cotoneaster dammeri Bearberry Cotoneaster 7
Cotoneaster horizontalis Spreading Cotoneaster 6
Cotoneaster integerrimus 'Centennial' Cotoneaster 5
Cotoneaster microphyllus 'Thymifolius' Thyme leaf Cotoneaster 6
Daphne cenorum Rose Daphne 7
Daphne x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie' Burkwood Daphne 6
Ephedra viridis Mormon Tea 6
Euonymus alata 'Compacta' Burning Bush 6
Forsythia hybrid 'Arnold's Dwarf' Forsythia 6
Forsythia hybrid 'Goldilocks' Forsythia 6
Forsythia hybrid 'Sunrise' Forsythia 6
Forsythia suspensa Weeping Forsythia 6
Forsythia x intermedia 'Lynwood Gold' forsythia 6
Forsythia x intermedia 'Spring Glory' Forsythia 6
Forsythia x intermedia Forsythia 5
Forsythia x intermedia 'Beatrix Farrand' Forsythia 5
Hamamelis virginiana Common Witch Hazel 5
Jasminum nudiflorum Weeping Winter Jasmine 7
Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora' Golden Guinea Kerria 6
Kerria japonica Japanese Kerria 5
Kochia prostrata Forage Kochia 7
Ligustrum vulgare 'Lodense' Privet 6
Ligustrum vulgare Common Privet 5
Mahonia haematocarpa Red Oregon Grape 6
Philadelphus lewisii Syringa, Mockorange 7
Philadelphus scaber Korean Mockorange 7
Philadelphus tomentosus Kashmir Mockorange 7
Philadelphus x lemoinei 'Innocence' Mockorange 7
Physocarpus malvaceus Ninebark 5
13
Shrubs continued
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Dart's Gold' Ninebark 5
Potentilla fruticosa Shrubby Cinquefoil 5
Potentilla fruticosa 'Pink Beauty' Potentilla 5
Prunus americana American Plum 5
Prunus emarginata Bitter Cherry 5
Prunus pumila Sandcherry 6
Prunus pumila v. besseyi 'Pawnee Buttes' Sandcherry 7
Prunus pumila v. besseyi Western Sandcherry 6
Prunus tomentosa Nanking Cherry 6
Prunus virginiana Chokecherry 5
Pyracantha angustifolia 'Gnozam' Pyracantha 6
Rhamnus frangula 'Asplenifolia' Alderleaf Buckthorn 6
Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low' Sumac 7
Rhus trilobata Oak-leaf Sumac 7
Rhus typhina 'Laciniata' Cut-leaf Sumac 7
Ribes aureum Golden Currant 6
Ribes odoratum 'Crandall' Clove-scented Currant 6
Ribes sanguineum Redflower Currant 6
Rosa hybrid 'Nearly Wild' Rose 6
Rosa hybrid 'John Cabot' Rose 5
Rosa woodsii Woods' Rose 5
Rubus spp.Raspberries 6
Salix caprea French Pussy Willow 5
Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki' Dappled Willow 5
Salix lutea Golden Willow 5
Salix purpurea 'Nana' Dwarf Blue Arctic Willow 6
Salix scouleriana Scouler Willow 5
Sambucus cerulea Blue Elderberry 7
Shepherdia argentea Silver Buffaloberry 6
Shepherdia canadensis Russet Buffaloberry 7
Shepherdia rotundifolia Roundleaf Buffaloberry 7
Syringa hybrid 'Tinkerbell' Lilac 7
Syringa vulgaris Lilac 5
Deciduous Trees
Acer glabrum Rocky Mountain Maple 6
Acer grandidentatum Bigtooth maple 6
Acer negundo Boxelder 5
Acer spp.Maple 5
14
Deciduous Trees continued
Acer tatericum subsp. ginnala Amur Maple 6
Aesculus hippocastanum Horsechestnut 6
Aesculus hippocastanum 'Braumannii' Horse Chestnut 6
Alnus tenuifolia Thinleaf Alder 6
Catalpa speciosa Northern Catalpa 5
Celtis reticulata Netleaf Hackberry 6
Cercis canadensis Eastern Redbud 6
Chilopsis linearis 'Art's Seedless' Desert Willow 7
Chilopsis linearis 'Bubba' Desert Willow 7
Chilopsis linearis 'Monhews' Desert Willow 7
Cornus florida Flowering Dogwood 6
Cotinus coggyria Purple Smoketree 5
Crataegus columbiana Columbia Hawthorne 7
Crataegus crus-galli 'Cruzan' Crusader Hawthorne 7
Crataegus douglasii Douglas Hawthorne 7
Fraxinus cuspidata Fragrant Flowering Ash 6
Prunus pennsylvanica Wild Red Cherry 6
Prunus virginiana Chokecherry 6
Quercus gambelii Gambel Oak 6
Rhamnus purshiana Cascara 7
Salix alba Golden Willow 5
Salix spp.Willow 6
Sorbus aucuparia European Mountain-ash 6
Grasses
Dactylis glomerata Orchardgrass 5
Festuca glauca Fescue 6
Festuca idahoensis Idaho Fescue 6
Poa secunda Sandberg Bluegrass 6
Poa secunda v. Mountain Home Mountain Home Sandberg Bluegrass 6
Conifer Trees
Larix kaempferi 'Blue Rabbit' Japanese Larch 5
15
*Fire Resistance Score correlates to the respective Firewise Zone and minimum suggested distance from your home.
Example: A species with a Fire Resistance Score of 9 could be located 20' or greater from your home.
Botanical name Common name
Perennials
Gilia aggregata Scarlet Gilia 3
Nepeta faassenii 'Walker's Low' Catmint 4
Shrubs
Arctostaphylos nevadensis Pinemat Manzanita 4
Arctostaphylos x coloradensis Panchito Manzanita 3
Caryopteris x clandonensis Blue Mist Spirea 2
Ceanothus sanguineus Redstem Ceanothus 4
Cercocarpus montanus True Mountain Mahogany 3
Chrysothamnus nauseosus Gray Rabbitbrush 3
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Green Rabbitbrush 2
Mahonia aquifolium 'Compactum' Oregon Grape 4
Mahonia repens Creeping Oregon Grape 4
Physocarpus opulifolius Tall Ninebark 2
Salvia pachyphylla 'Blue Flame' Sage 3
Deciduous Trees
Alnus glutinosa Black Alder 4
Alnus spp.Alder 4
Betula occidentalis Water Birch 4
Carya spp.Hickory 1
Celtis occidentalis Common Hackberry 4
Diospyros virginiana Common Persimmon 4
Zone 3 Species List count 44
Fire
Resistance
Score
10' 20' 30' 40' 50' 60' 70' 80' 90' 100'+
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Fire Resistance Score
Minimum
Distance from your Home
Native
16
Deciduous Trees continued
Gleditsia tricanthos Honey Locust 4
Gymnocladus dioicus Kentucky Coffee Tree 4
Juglans nigra Black Walnut 4
Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum 4
Liriodendron tulipifera Tuliptree 4
Quercus alba White Oak 4
Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak 4
Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak 4
Quercus rubra Red Oak 4
Non-Turf Grasses
Agropyron cristatum Crested Wheatgrass 4
Agropyron smithii Western Wheatgrass 4
Agropyron spicatum Bluebunch Wheatgrass 4
Koeleria macrantha Prairie Junegrass 4
Sporobolus cryptandrus Sand Dropseed 4
Schizachyrium scoparium Little Bluestem 3
Elymus elymoides Squirreltail Grass 3
Leymus cinereus Great Basin Wildrye 2
Achnatherum hymenoides Indian Ricegrass 1
Hesperostipa comata Needle & Thread 1
Conifer Trees
Larix laricina Eastern Larch 4
Larix occidentalis Western Larch 4
Pinus ponderosa Ponderosa Pine 1
Pinus jeffreyi Jeffrey Pine 1
Pseudotsuga menziesii v. glauca Rocky Mountain Douglas Fir 1
Sequoiadendron giganteum Giant Sequoia 1
17
Numerical Scoring for Fire Resistance & Zone Choice
Succulent Species
Short: < 12"Med: 12" - 24" Tall: > 24"
Moisture Content
Mineral Content
Volatile Oil Content
Height
Low = 2.5 pts. Med = 1 pts. High = 0 pt.
Short = 2.5
pts. Med = 2 pts. Tall= 1 pt.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 2 pts. High = 2.5pts.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 1 pts. High = 2.5 pts.
18
Succulents
Succulents are water-retaining plants adapted to arid climates. Succulents generally have a swollen or fleshy appearance.
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun
or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Agave havardiana Century Plant 7 High Med Low 30"' x 36"5 Full Low
Hesperaloe
parviflora Texas Red Yucca 7 Med Med Low 48" x 36"5 Full Low
Opuntia spp.Prickly Pear Cactus 10 High
High
Salt Low 24" x 24"3 Full Low
Sedum
lanceolatum Yellow Stonecrop 10 High
High
Soap Low 4" x 12"3 Full Low
Sedum reflexum
'Blue Spruce'
Stonecrop 10 High
High
Soap Low 6" x 24"3 Full-PS Med
Sedum rupestre
'Angelina'
Stonecrop 10 High
High
Soap Low 6" x 20"4 Full Low Nice orange/red fall color
Sedum sichotense Stonecrop 10 High
High
Soap Low 3" x 6"4 Full Low
Sedum sieboldii
October Daphne
Stonecrop 10 High
High
Soap Low 4" x 12"5 Full Low
Sedum
spathulifolium
'Cape Blanco'
Stonecrop 10 High
High
Soap Low 5" x 18"4 Full Low
Sedum spp.Stonecrop 10 High
High
Soap Low Variable 4 Full
Low-
Med
Sedum spurium
'Blaze of Fulda'
Stonecrop 10 High
High
Soap Low 3" x 24"3 Full Med
Sedum spurium
'Dragon's Blood'
Stonecrop 10 High
High
Soap Low 4" x 12"5 Full-PS Low
Sedum telephium
'Black Jack'
Autumn Stonecrop 10 High
High
Soap Low 24" x 24"4 Full Med
Sedum telephium
'Matrona'
Stonecrop 10 High
High
Soap Low 24" x 24"5 Full Low
Sempervivum spp.Hens & Chicks 10 High
High
Soap Low 6" x 18"4 F-PS Low
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
Fire Resistant Attributes
Increases Flammability
Decreases Flammability
19
Numerical Scoring for Fire Resistance & Zone Choice
Groundcover Species
Short: < 12"Med: 12" - 24" Tall: > 24"
Moisture Content
Mineral Content
Volatile Oil Content
Height
Low = 2.5 pts. Med = 0 pts. High = 0 pt.
Short = 3 pts. Med = 2.5 pts. Tall = 0 pt.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 2 pts. High = 2.5 pts.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 1.5 pts. High = 2 pts.
20
Groundcovers
Groundcovers are plants that cover the ground generally in place of grass
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th of July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun
or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Aegopodium
podagraria
'Variegatum'
Bishop's Weed 8 High Low Low 24" x 24"4 Full-PS
Med-
High
Very invasive and aggressive if regularly
watered, prune back each year
Ajuga reptans Ajuga 8 High Low Low 4" x 24"4 PS-S High
Antennaria dioica 'Rubra' Pussytoes 8 Med Low Low 6" x 12"1 Full Low
Antennaria
microphylla
Little-leaf
Pussytoes 8 Med Low Low 6" x 18"5 Full Low
Antennaria
parvifolia
Small-leaf
Pussytoes 8 Med Low Low 2" x 24"4 Full Low
Antennaria rosea Rosy Pussytoes 8 Med Low Low 1" x 24"3 Full Low
Arabis spp.Rockcress 8 Med Low Low 6" x 6"4 Full Med
Arctostaphylos
uva-ursi Kinnikinnick 5 Med Low Med 6" x 48"3 Full-PS Med Sub-shrub-woody, slow growing
Artemisia
caucasica Caucasica Sage 6 High Low Med 5" x 24"3 Full Low Prostrate low grower
Artemisia viridis
'Tiny Green'
Creeping Artemisia 6 High Low Med 2" x 8"4 Full-PS Low Needs some shade
Aubrieta spp.False Rockcress 8 Med Low Low 2" x 15"4 S Med
Aurinia saxatilis Basket-of-Gold 8 High Low Low 2" x 15"5 PS-S High
Bellium minutum Miniature Mat Daisy 7 Med Low Low 12" x 36"4 Full-PS Med
Callirhoe
involucrata Poppy Mallow 8 High Low Low 6" x 36"3 Full Med
Cerastium alpinum
v. lanthanum Alpine Mouse-Ears 8 High Low Low 3" x 12"3 Full Low Prefers a colder climate
Cerastium
tomentosum Snow-in-Summer 8 High Low Low 8" x 48"3 Full-PS Med
*Regular maintenance, pruning flower stalks and cutting back as
needed improves fire resistance for all groundcovers.
Fire Resistant Attributes
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
21
Groundcovers
Groundcovers are plants that cover the ground generally in place of grass
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th of July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun
or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
*Regular maintenance, pruning flower stalks and cutting back as
needed improves fire resistance for all groundcovers.
Fire Resistant Attributes
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Ceratostigma
plumbaginoides Hardy Plumbago 8 High Low Low 6" x 48"3 Full-S Low Rhizomatous
Convallaria majalis Lily-of-the-Valley 10 High High Low 2" x 8"5 Full-PS Low Spreads vegetatively
Delosperma
basuticum
White Eyed Ice
Plant 10 High High Low 1" x 24"5 Full Low Good, may winter kill at mid-high elevations
Delosperma
cooperi Pink Iceplant 10 High High Low 1" x 24"4 Full-PS
Low-
Med
Delosperma hybrid
'John Proffit'
Ice Plant 10 High High Low 1" x 24"5 Full Low May winter kill at mid-high elevations
Delosperma
nubigenum Yellow Iceplant 10 High
High
Soap Low 1" x 24"4 Full-PS Low
Echeveria spp.Hens & Chicks 8 High Low Low 6" x 24"4 Full Med
Ephedra regeliana Creeping Ephedra 8 High Low Low 6" x 24"4 Full High
Fragaria spp.Wild Strawberries 9 Med
Med
Pectin Low 8" x 48"3 Full-PS Med
Galium boreale Northern Bedstraw 8 Med Low Low 8" x 48"3 Shade Med Shade only
Galium odoratum Sweet Woodruff 8 Med Low Low 8" x 24"4 Shade Med Shade only
Lamium spp.Dead Nettle 8 Med Low Low 10" x 24"5 Full Med
Liriope spp.Liriope 8 Med Low Low 4" x 24"4 Full Med
Marrubium
rotundifolium
Silver Edged
Horehound 8 High Low Low 10" x 18"5 Full Low
Nierembergia
repens
Creeping White
Cup 8 High Low Low 4" x 24"7 Full-PS Med
Pachysandra
terminalis
'Green Sheen'
Spurge 8 High Low Low 8" x 15"4
Shade-
PS Med
22
Groundcovers
Groundcovers are plants that cover the ground generally in place of grass
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th of July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun
or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
*Regular maintenance, pruning flower stalks and cutting back as
needed improves fire resistance for all groundcovers.
Fire Resistant Attributes
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Penstemon
caespitosus Mat Penstemon 8 High Low Low 8" x 48"4 Full-PS Med
Penstemon
davidsonii
Davidson's
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 2" x 12"4 Full-PS Low Short lived below 3,000 ft.;
Penstemon
davidsonii
v. menziesii
'Microphyllus'
Green Mat
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 2" x 12"4 Full-PS Low
Phlox subulata Creeping Phlox 7 Med Low Low 24" x 36"4 Full Med
Saponaria
ocymoides
'Alba'
White Flowered
Soapwort 10 High
High
Soap Low 6" x 24"4 Full
Low-
Med
Drought tolerant but does best with medium
water
Saponaria
ocymoides Rock Soapwort 10 High
High
Soap Low 6" x 24"5 Full-PS Med The best Saponaria
Saponaria
officinalis Bouncing Bett 10 High
High
Soap Low 10" x 18"4 Full Med
Can be invasive; do not use especially in
riparian areas in arid zones
Saponaria x
lempergii
Giant Flowered
Soapwort 8 High Low Low 6" x 48"4 Full Med
Stachys byzantina
'Helen Von Stein'
Lamb's Ear 6 Med Low Med 12" x 24"5 Full-PS Low
Stachys byzantina Lamb's ear 5 Med Low Med 4" x 24"5 Full Med
Stachys byzantina
'Silver Carpet'
Lamb's Ear 6 Med Low Med 5" x 18"4 Full Low
Stachys monieri 'Hummelo' Betony 5 Med Low Med 20" x 15"4 Full Low
Thymus praecox Creeping Thyme 6 High Low Med 2" x 48"4 Full Med
Thymus praecox
arcticus Mother of Thyme 6 High Low Med 4" x 48"4 Full Med
Thymus serphyllum
'Minus'
Creeping Thyme 8 High Low Low 6" x 24"4 Full-PS Med
23
Groundcovers
Groundcovers are plants that cover the ground generally in place of grass
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th of July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun
or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
*Regular maintenance, pruning flower stalks and cutting back as
needed improves fire resistance for all groundcovers.
Fire Resistant Attributes
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Veronica
liwanensis Turkish Speedwell 8 High Low Low 1/2" x 24"4 Full-PS Low
Veronica oltensis
Thyme-leaf
Speedwell 8 High Low Low 1/2" x 24"3 Full-PS Med Can be invasive if irrigated, economical,
Vinca minor Periwinkle 8 High Low Low 6" x 12"4 S Med
Waldsteinia spp.Barren Strawberry 8 High Low Low 8" x 8"4 PS-S Med
24
Numerical Scoring for Fire Resistance & Zone Choice
Turf Grasses
*Non- Turf grass species are listed in a separate section. (pages 60 - 61)
Moisture Content
Short: < 4"Med: 4"- 10"Tall: > 10"
Height
Volatile Oil Content
Mineral Content
Low = 2.5 pts. Med = 0 pts. High = 0 pt.
Short = 4.0
pts. Med = 2 pt. Tall= 0 pt.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 2 pts. High = 3.0 pts.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 0.5 pts. High = 0.5 pts.
25
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Mowed
Height
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun
or
Shade
Water
Needs Form Comments
Bouteloua gracilis Blue Grama 9 Med Low Low Short 3 Full Low Rhizome
Needs moderate summer
irrigation
Buchloe
dactyloides Buffalograss 9 Med Low Low Short 3 Full Low Stolon
Needs moderate summer
irrigation
Festuca ovina Sheep Fescue 9 Med Low Low Short 3 Full Low Bunch
Needs moderate summer
irrigation
Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass 10 High Low Low Short 4 Full Med Rhizome Needs summer irrigation
Poa compressa Canada Bluegrass 9 Med Low Low Short 3 Full-PS
Med-
Low Rhizome Needs summer irrigation
Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass 10 High Low Low Short 3 Full High Rhizome Needs heavy irrigation
Zoysia japonica Zoysiagrass 10 High Low Low Short 6 Full Med
Stolon /
Bunch
Needs moderate summer
irrigation
On site at the
Firewise Garden
Increases Flammability
Decreases Flammability Cultural Requirements
Turf Grass Species Turf grass species ratings are based on mowed < 6" and irrigated plants. Once
dry all grasses are flammable and have lower fire resistance.
Fire Resistant Attributes
*Non-Turf grass species are listed in a separate section (pgs. 60 - 61).
Turf grass species are monocots in the Poaceae family which are suitable for
a lawn.
26
Numerical Scoring for Fire Resistance & Zone Choice
Vine Species
Vine heights can vary significantly: 0 pts. are given for all vines height
Moisture Content
Mineral Content
Volatile Oil Content
Height
Low = 3 pts. Med = 0 pts. High = 0 pt.
All vines = 0
pt.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 2 pts. High = 3 pts.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 2 pts. High = 3 pts.
27
Deciduous Vines
Deciduous vines are plants that have a trailing or climbing growth habit
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun
or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Actinidia kolomikta
'Arctic Beauty'
Kiwi Vine 6 High Low Low 20' x 10'4 PS Med
Akebia Akebia 6 High Low Low 15' x 12'4 Full-PS High Can be invasive
Bignonia
capreolata
'Dragon Lady'
Crossvine 6 High Low Low 15' x 15'5 Full-PS Med
Reddish orange blooms, foliage turns
purple in winter. Can be aggressive and
invasive
Campsis radicans Trumpet vine 6 High Low Low 40' x 15'4 Full-PS Med
Resprouts from root crown and rhizomes.
Drought tolerant; attract hummingbirds
Campsis x
tagliabuana
'Madame Galen'
Trumpet Creeper 6 High Low Low 20' x 8'6 Full-PS Med
Clematis spp.Clematis 6 High Low Low 15' x 15'4 Full Med
Clematis terniflora
Sweet Autumn
Clematis 5 Med Low Low 15' x 15'5 Full Med
Humulus lupulus Hops 8 High
Med
Soap Low 15' x 15'4 Full Med
Only use in zone 1 if properly managed,
grows fast
Hydrangea
anomala subsp.
petiolaris Climbing hydrangea 8 High
Med
Soap Low Variable 4 Full Med Only use in zone 1 if properly managed
Lonicera
sempervirens
'Magnifica'
Trumpet
Honeysuckle 8 High
Med
Pectin Low 11' x 8'4 Full-PS Med
Only use in zone 1 if properly managed,
scarlet-orange flowers
Lonicera spp. &
hybrids Honeysuckle 8 High
Med
Pectin Low 12' x 9'4 Full-PS Med
Only use in zone 1 if properly managed,
resprouts
Lycium barbarum Matrimony Vine 6 High Low Low 9' x 9'4 Full Low Drought tolerant
Several of the following vine species score within Zone 1, however, without
proper management all deciduous vines will act as ladder fuel, sometimes hold
leaves until new leaves emerge in spring which decreases fire resistance. Fire
resistance improved for all species when thinned, pruned and dead branches
are cleaned out.
*Only use vines with scores in zone 1 if they are properly managed.
Fire Resistant Attributes
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
28
Deciduous Vines
Deciduous vines are plants that have a trailing or climbing growth habit
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun
or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Several of the following vine species score within Zone 1, however, without
proper management all deciduous vines will act as ladder fuel, sometimes hold
leaves until new leaves emerge in spring which decreases fire resistance. Fire
resistance improved for all species when thinned, pruned and dead branches
are cleaned out.
*Only use vines with scores in zone 1 if they are properly managed.
Fire Resistant Attributes
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Parthenocissus
quinquefolia Virginia Creeper 8 High Med Low 30' x 30'4 Full-PS Med
Only use in zone 1 if properly managed,
may sprout from surviving root crown or
remaining live stems, economical, can be
invasive
Polygonum aubertii Silver Lace Vine 6 High Low Low 25' x 25'4 Full Low Can be invasive
Vitis spp.Grapes 8 High Med Low Variable 5 Full-PS Med
Only use in zone 1 if properly managed,
resprouts, economical,
Vitis vinifera
'Purpurea'
Purpleleaf Grape 8 High Med Low 20' x 12"6 Full Med Only use in zone 1 if properly managed
Wisteria spp.Wisteria 6 High Low Low 30' x 30'5 Full-PS Med
29
Numerical Scoring for Fire Resistance & Zone Choice
Annual Species
Short: < 2'Med: 2' - 3' Tall: > 3'
Moisture Content
Mineral Content
Volatile Oil Content
Height
Low = 2.5 pts. Med = 2 pts. High = 0 pt.
Short = 2.5
pts. Med = 2 pts. Tall= 0 pt.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 2 pts. High = 2.5 pts.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 2 pts. High = 2.5 pts.
30
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun
or
Shade
Water
Needs
Bloom
Time Comments
Cleome serrulata
Rocky Mountain
Bee Plant 5 High Low Med 48" x 24" 4 Full-PS Low Summer
Reseeds, very drought tolerant,
flowers in the late summer
Eschscholzia
californica California Poppy 10 High
High
Salt Low 12" x 12"5 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Reseeds, dries up in late
summer
Hordeum vulgare Barley 7 Med Low Low 30" x 24"3 Full Low Summer
Good cover crop to control
weeds, need mowing or plow
after ripening, fine fuel reduced
Fire Resistance score
Lobularia maritima Sweet Alyssum 8 High Low Low 12" x 24"5 Full Low Summer Reseeds
Lolium temulentum Annual Ryegrass 5 Med Low Low 38" x 6"3 Full Med Summer
Winter moisture is best, cover
crop to compete with weeds,
mow or plow into the soil after
ripening
Mirabilis jalapa Four O'clock 7 High Low Low 24" x 36"5 Full Med
Late
Summer -
Fall Reseeds
Papaver spp.Annual Poppy 7 High Low Low 24" x 6"3 Full Low Summer
Very drought tolerant, mow after
ripening
Viola spp.Johnny Jump-up 5 Low Low Low 12" x 12"4 Full Med Spring
Dies in the summer,
can be invasive
Annuals are plants that only live for one season
Annual Species
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
31
Numerical Scoring for Fire Resistance & Zone Choice
Perennial Species
Mineral Content
Moisture Content
Short: up to 2' Med: > 2' - 3' Tall: > 3'
Height
Volatile Oil Content Low = 2.5 pts. Med = 0 pts. High = 0 pt.
Short = 2.5
pts. Med = 2 pt. Tall= 0 pt.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 2 pts. High = 2.5 pts.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 2 pts. High = 2.5 pts.
32
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and are not woody.
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs
Bloom
Time Comments
Acantholimon
hohenackeri Prickly Dianthus 7 Med Low Low 8" x 18"5 Full Low Summer Salt tolerant
Alcea rosea Hollyhock 5 High Low Low 72" x 24"4 Full Low Summer Easy to grow, economical,
Alcea rosea
'Peaches &
Dreams' Hollyhock 5 High Low Low 72" x 24"3 Full Low Summer
Alchemilla spp.Lady's Mantle 8 High Low Low 15" x 24" 4 Full-PS High
Spring-
Summer
Allium cernuum Nodding Onion 10 High
Med
Soap Low 16" x 6"4 Full-PS Low Spring
Allium christophii Star of Persia 10 High
Med
Soap Low 18" x 6"4 Full Low Spring
Allium geyeri Geyer Onion 10 High
Med
Soap Low 10" x 4" 4 Full Low Spring
Allium karataviense
'Ivory Queen'
Onion 10 High
Med
Soap Low 10" x 8"4 Full Low Spring
Allium schubertii Tumbleweed Onion 10 High
Med
Soap Low 12" x 12"5 Full Low Spring
Anemone blanda
Grecian
Windflowers 7 Med Low Low 8" x 6"4 Full-PS Med Spring
Aquilegia spp.Columbine 8 High Low Low 24" x 12"3 Full-PS Med Spring
Use in Zone 1 only if pruned
to 6" in late June, Reseeds
profusely
Arabis spp.Rockcress 7 Med Low Low 12" x 12" 4 Full Low Summer
Armeria maritima
'Rubrifolia'
Sea Thrift 8 High Low Low 6" x 9"4 Full Med Spring Short lived
Armeria maritima Sea Thrift 8 High Low Low 10" x 10"4 Full-PS Med Summer
Compact ground cover, salt
tolerant, short lived
Artemisia
arborescens
'Powis Castle'
Artemisia 6 Med Low Low 36" x 36"6 Full Low
Late
Summer Herbacous,
Perennial Species
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All perennials need to be cut back in late winter & remove the dead
material
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
33
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and are not woody.
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs
Bloom
Time Comments
Perennial Species
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All perennials need to be cut back in late winter & remove the dead
material
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Artemisia
arbortanum 'Tangerine' Sage 5 High Low Med 36" x 48"4 Full Low
Spring/
Summer Very drought tolerant
Artemisia frigida Fringed Sage 5 High Low Med 12" x 18"3 Full Low Summer
Low, mat-forming, rhizomatous
sub-shrub
Artemisia
ludoviciana Prairie Sage 5 High Low Med 24" x 24"3 Full Med Summer
Artemisia spp.Wormwood 7 High Med Med 24" x 36"4 Full Low Summer
Herbaceous species (not the
woody species)
Artemisia
stellerana Dusty Miller 7 High Low Low 36" x 15"4 Full Med Summer Good deer resistance
Asclepias tuberosa
Orange Butterfly
Weed 8 High Low Low 24" x 6" 4 Full Low Summer
Prefers medium - coarse
textured soils
Aster laevis Smooth Aster 8 High Low Low 24" x 12"4 Full Med Summer
Aster porteri Porter Aster 8 High Low Low 24" x 12"4 Full Low Summer
Astragalus
utahensis Utah Milkvetch 8 High Low Low 4" x 24"4 Full Low Spring Very drought tolerant
Baptisia
sphaerocarpa Yellow Baptisia 7 High Low Low 36" x 24"5 Full
Med/Lo
w Summer
Baptisia hybrid
'Twilite
Prairieblues'
False Indigo 7 High Low Low 36" x 36"4 Full Low Summer
Bergenia cordifolia Bergenia 8 High Low Low 12" x 12" 3 PS-S High Spring
Glossy evergreen leaves
produced in spreading clumps,
makes a nice ground cover
Calochortus spp.Mariposa Lily 8 High Low Low 24" x 4"4 Full Low Spring
Carex spp.Sedges 8 High Low Low 36" x 18"4 Full High Summer
Usually near swampy wetlands
or stream sides
Centranthus ruber Jupiter's Beard 10 High
High
Soap Low 24" x 24"4 Full-PS Low Summer
Freely self-seeds in optimum
growing conditions to the point
of being invasive if irrigated,
34
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and are not woody.
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs
Bloom
Time Comments
Perennial Species
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All perennials need to be cut back in late winter & remove the dead
material
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Chrysanthemum
maximum Shasta Daisy 5 High Low Med 36" x 36"4 Full-PS High Summer
Invasive > 15" ppt, some oils in
the leaves
Cistus purpureus Orchid Rockrose 5 High Low Low 60" x 60"5 Full Med Summer
Convallaria majalis Lily of the Valley 8 High Low Low 10" x 18"3 PS-S Med Spring
Good for dry shade; spreads
readily, uese up spring moisture
well
Coreopsis
grandiflora
'Grand Flying
Saucers' Coreopsis 8 High Low Low 18" x 36"4 Full Med
Summer-
Fall Low growing variety,
Coreopsis rosea
'Heavens Gate'
Tickseed 8 High Low Low 18" x 24"6 Full Med
Summer-
Fall Pink bloom,
Coreopsis spp.Coreopsis 8 High Low Low 24" x 24"5 Full Low Summer
Excellent for naturalizing, will
self seed
Coreopsis tinctoria Prairie Coreopsis 8 High Low Low 24" x 24"5 Full Low Summer Economical; spreads by seed
Delphinium spp.Delphinium 7 High Low Low 36" x 8"4 Full-PS Med
Spring-
Summer
Dianthus
gratianopolitanus
'Tiny Rubies'
Dianthus 9 Med
Med
Soap Low 6" x 12" 5 Full-PS Low
Spring-
Summer Foliage is evergreen
Dianthus
gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch' Dianthus 9 Med
Med
Soap Low 8" x 18"3 Full Low
Spring-
Summer Foilage is evergreen,
Dianthus petraeus
v. noeanus Dianthus 9 Med
Med
Soap Low 12" x 12"5 Full Low
Spring-
Summer Foliage is evergreen
Dianthus pinifolius Pineleaf Dianthus 9 Med
Med
Soap Low 12" x 24"4 Full Low
Spring-
Summer Foliage is evergreen
Dianthus simulans Pinks 9 Med
Med
Soap Low 6" x 18"5 Full Med
Spring-
Summer Foliage is evergreen
Dianthus sylvestris
'Monte Baldo'
Dianthus 9 Med
Med
Soap Low 12" x 12"4 Full Low
Spring-
Summer Foliage is evergreen
35
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and are not woody.
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs
Bloom
Time Comments
Perennial Species
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All perennials need to be cut back in late winter & remove the dead
material
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Diascia integerrima
'Coral Canyon'
Twinspur 9 Med
Med
Soap Low 15" x 18"5 Full-PS
Med-
High
Spring-
Summer
Grow as an annual in Idaho's
climate
Echinacea
angustifolia
Narrow-leaved
Coneflower 7 Med Low Low 24" x 15"3 Full Low Summer
Echinacea hybrid
'Pixie Meadowbrite'
Coneflower 7 Med Low Low 20" x 20"4 Full Med Summer
Low growing variety with
consistently good performance,
Echinacea hybrid
'Arts Pride'
Coneflower 7 Med Low Low 24" x 18"5 Full Med Summer
Echinacea hybrid
'Harvest Moon'
Coneflower 7 Med Low Low 30" x 24"4 Full Med Summer
Echinacea hybrid
'Sunrise'
Coneflower 7 Med Low Low 36" x 24"4 Full Med Summer
Echinacea
paradoxa Ozark Coneflower 7 Med Low Low 36" x 15"4 Full Med
Summer-
Fall
Echinacea pupurea Purple Coneflower 7 Med Low Low 36" x 15"4 Full Med Summer
Echinacea
purpurea
'Kim's Knee High'
Coneflower 7 Med Low Low 24" x 18"3 Full Med Summer
Echinacea
purpurea
'Red Knee High'
Coneflower 7 Med Low Low 24" x 16"3 Full Med Summer
Echinacea
purpurea 'Jade' Coneflower 7 Med Low Low 36" x 15"5 Full Med Summer White flowers
Echinacea
purpurea
'Tiki Torch'
Coneflower 7 Med Low Low 36" x 28"4 Full Med Summer
Echinacea x
tennesseenis
'Rocky Top'
Coneflower 7 Med Low Low 28" x 18"5 Full Med Summer Pink bloom,
Epilobium
angustifolium Fireweed 7 High Low Low 36" x 6"3 Full-PS Med Summer
Spreads by rhizomes, mid-
elevations or grow in shade
36
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and are not woody.
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs
Bloom
Time Comments
Perennial Species
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All perennials need to be cut back in late winter & remove the dead
material
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Erigeron linearis
Desert Yellow
Fleabane 7 Med Low Low 12" x 12"4 Full Low Spring
Eriogonum
umbellatum Sulphur Buckwheat 7 Med Low Low 12" x 36"4 Full-PS Low Spring
Likes coarse or gravely soils,
deer resistant
Erysimum linifolium Wallflower 9 High Med Low 24" x 35"4 Full-PS Med Summer
Euonymus fortunei Winter Creeper 8 High Low Low 24" x 24"4 Full-PS Med Summer
Euphorbia
characias 'Blackbird' Spurge 10 High
High
Latex Low 18" x 24"6 Full Low Fall
Euphorbia
polychroma Cushion Spurge 10 High
High
Latex Low 15" x 24"4 Full-PS Med Fall
Euphorbia x
martinii
'Mini Martini'
Spurge 10 High
High
Latex Low 24" x 24"6 Full Low Fall
'Tiny Tim' 12 x 18" zone 5,
short lived
Gaillardia aristata Blanket Flower 7 Med Low Low 24" x 24"3 Full Low Summer Grow from seed, economical
Gaillardia
grandiflora
'Arizona Sun'
Blanket Flower 8 High Low Low 10" x 12"3 Full Low Summer
Compact, low growing, dense
flowering
Gaillardia x aristata
'Bijou' Blanket
Flower 8 High Low Low 6" x 12" 3 Full Low Summer
Compact, low growing, dense
flowering,
Gaillardia x aristata
'Oranges &
Lemons'
Blanket Flower 8 High Low Low 18" x 18"3 Full Low Summer
Gaillardia x
grandiflora
'Goblin' Blanket
flower 8 High Low Low 12" x 18"3 Full Low Summer
Compact, low growing, dense
flowering
Geranium
caespitosum Wild Geranium 8 High Low Low 24" x 36"5 Full Med Summer
Red flowers, foilage turns red in
the fall
Geranium spp.Hardy Geraniums 8 High Low Low 24" x 24"4 Full Med Summer
Geranium striatum Bloody Cranesbill 8 High Low Low 10" x 12"3 Full Med Summer
37
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and are not woody.
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs
Bloom
Time Comments
Perennial Species
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All perennials need to be cut back in late winter & remove the dead
material
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Geum triflorum Prairie Smoke 8 High Low Low 18" x 12"4 Full-PS Med Spring
Fern-like foilage, reddish pink
flowers, prefers cooler summer
temps
Gilia aggregata Scarlet Gilia 3 Low Low Med 18" x 8"3 Full Low Summer
Helianthella
quinquenervis Aspen Sunflower 7 Med Low Low 24" x 12"5 Full-PS Low Summer
Helianthemum
nummularium Rockrose 8 High Low Low 18" x 18"5 Full Low Summer
Helianthus pumilus Small Sunflower 7 Med Low Low 28" x 12"4 Full Low Summer
Helianthus
salicifolius
'Low Down' Willow-
leaved Sunflower 7 Med Low Low 12" x 12"4 Full Low
Summer-
Fall
Hemerocallis
hybrid Daylillies 10 High
High
Soap Low 36" x 12"4 Full-PS Med Summer
Developed from species native
to China,
Heuchera spp.Coral Bells 7 Med Low Low 12" x12"4 Full-PS Med Summer
Hosta spp.Hostas 8 High Low Low 24" x 24"3 PS-S High Summer Need lots of water and shade
Hymenoxys
scaposa
Thrift-leaf Perky
Sue 7 Med Low Low 8" x 8"4 Full Low
Summer-
Fall Vigorous reseeder
Iberis
sempervirens
'Little Gem'
Candytuft 8 High Low Low 12" x 12"3 Full Med Spring
Iris germanica Bearded Iris 8 High Low Low 24" x 12"4 Full Med Spring Need H2O
Kniphofia uvaria
'Flamenco' Red
Hot Poker 10 High
High
Soap Low 36" x 36"5 Full-PS Low
Late
Spring Dwarf form
Kniphofia uvaria Red-hot Poker 8 High
High
Soap Low 48" x 24"5 Full Low
Late
Spring
Lathyrus odoratus
'Winter Elegance'
Sweet Pea 10 High
High
Soap Low 36" x 36"3 Full-PS Low Spring
38
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and are not woody.
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs
Bloom
Time Comments
Perennial Species
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All perennials need to be cut back in late winter & remove the dead
material
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Lathyrus spp.Sweet Pea 9 Med
High
Soap Low 36" x 36"3 Full
Low-
Med Spring
Lewisia x
longipetala
'Little Plum'
Lewisia 7 Low Med Low 4" x 12"4 Full Low Spring
Liatris aspera Tall Blazing Star 7 Med Low Low 24" x 12"4 Full-PS Low Summer
Very deep rooted, lavendar to
white flowers
Liatris punctata Dotted Gay Feather 7 Med Low Low 24" x 12"4 Full-PS Med Summer
Lilium spp.Lillies 10 High
High
Soap Low 36" x 6"4
Full-PS-
S Med Summer
Asiatic & oriental lillies, easily
grown from bulbs, not deer
resistant
Limonium latifolium Sea Lavender 7 Med Low Low 12" x 12"5 Full Med Summer
Linum lewisii Wild Blue Flax 7 Med Low Low 24" x 12"3 Full-PS Low
Spring-
Summer
Linum perenne Blue Flax 8 High Low Low 24" x 12"3 Full-PS Low
Spring-
Summer
Lotus corniculatus Birdfoot Trefoil 8 High Low Low 12" x 36"3 Full Low Spring
Lupinus spp.Lupine 8 High Low Low 24" x 24"4 Full-PS Med Summer
Medicago hybrid Grazer Alfalfa 10 High
High
Soap Low 6" x 36"3 Full
Med-
High Summer Deer will eat it
Medicago hybrid Creeping Alfalfa 10 High
High
Soap Low 4" x 36"3 Full
Med-
High Summer Deer will eat it
Medicago sativa 'Ladak' Alfalfa 10 High
High
Soap Low 36" x 36"3 Full Med Summer
Drought tolerant cultivar, deer
will eat it
Mirabilis multiflora Desert Four-o'clock 7 High Low Low 36" x 36"4 Full Med Summer
Frost senstive, good
performance
Muscari
armeniacum Grape Hyacinth 10 High High Low 6" x 4"3 Full-PS Low Spring
Dries up by late spring, winter
moisture, very drought tolerant
39
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and are not woody.
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs
Bloom
Time Comments
Perennial Species
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All perennials need to be cut back in late winter & remove the dead
material
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Nepeta faassenii
'Walker's Low'
Catmint 4 Med Low Med 28" x 36"4 Full Low Summer
Nepeta subsessilis Catmint 5 Med Low Med 12" x 20"4 Full Low Summer
Nierembergia
gracilis 'Starry Eyes'8 High Low Low 10" x 18"7 Full Low Summer
Does not over winter, treat as an
annual
Oenothera
berlanderi ‘Twilight’ Primrose 8 High Low Low 12" x 24"5 Full
Low-
Med Summer Purple foliage
Oenothera
caespitosa
White Stemless
Evening Primrose 7 Med Low Low 10" x 36"4 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Oenothera
macrocarpa
Missouri Evening
Primrose 7 Med Low Low 18" x 36"4 Full Low
Spring-
Summer Can be invasive
Oenothera
speciosa Showy Primrose 8 High Low Low 12" x 24"4 Full
Low-
Med Summer
Oenothera spp.Evening Primrose 7 Med Low Low 12" x 24"4 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Papaver orientale Oriental Poppy 9 Med
Med
Latex Low 12" x 12"3 Full Low Spring
Pelargonium
endlicherianum
Turkish
Pelargonium 7 Med Low Low 10" x 10"4 Full-PS Med Summer
Penstemon
alamosensis
Los Alamos
Beardtongue 7 High Low Low 30" x 8"5 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon
alamosensis
‘Alamo Canyon’
Penstemon 7 High Low Low 30" x 8"5 Full Low
Spring-
Summer Coral orange flowers
Penstemon
anguineus
Siskiyou
Beardtongue 7 High Low Low 30" x 8"5 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon
arenicola Sand Penstemon 7 High Low Low 30" x 8"5 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon
barbatus
‘Red Riding Hood’
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 24" x 24"5 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon
barrettiae
Barrett's
Beardtongue 8 High Low Low 4" x 8" 4 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
40
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and are not woody.
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs
Bloom
Time Comments
Perennial Species
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All perennials need to be cut back in late winter & remove the dead
material
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Penstemon
cardwellii
Cardwell's
Beardtongue 7 High Low Low 30" x 24"5 Full-PS Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon cobaea
Foxglove
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 12" x 12"6 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon
cyaneus Blue Penstemon 8 High Low Low 6"x 12"5 Full
Low/
Med
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon
davidsonii v.
davidsonii
Davidson's
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 24"x 18"5 Full
Low/
Med
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon eatonii
Firecracker
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 6" x 12" 4 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon
fruticosus
Shrubby
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 2" x 12"4 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon hybrid
'Prairie Splendor'
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 12" x 24"3 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon hybrid
'Bronco Orange'
Penstemon 7 High Low Low 36" x 24"2 Full Low
Spring-
Summer Local cultivar
Penstemon
mexicali
Beard Tongue
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 24" x 24"5 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon
pachyphyllus
Thickleaf
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 24" x 18"3 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon palmeri Palmer Penstemon 8 High Low Low 18" x 24"6 Full Med
Spring-
Summer Short lived perennial
Penstemon
payettensis
Payette
Beardtongue 8 High Low Low 24" x 24"4 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon
pinifolius
Pineleaf
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 18" x 24"3 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon
pinifolius
'Mersea Yellow'
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 24" x 18"4 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Penstemon strictus
Rocky Mountain
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 12" x 15"4 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
41
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and are not woody.
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs
Bloom
Time Comments
Perennial Species
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All perennials need to be cut back in late winter & remove the dead
material
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Penstemon
whippleanus
Whipple's
Penstemon 8 High Low Low 12" x 15"4 Full Low
Spring-
Summer
Phlox kelseyi
'Lemhi Purple'
Phlox 7 Med Low Low 12" x 8"Full-PS Med Spring
Phlox paniculata
'Violet Flame'
Phlox 7 Med Low Low 22" x 18"4 Full-PS Med Spring
Phlox subulata
'Scarlet Flame'
Creeping Phlox 7 Med Low Low 4" x 18'3 Full-PS Med Spring
Polemonium spp.Jacobs Ladder 8 High Low Low 24" x 24"3 Full-PS High Summer Prefers cooler climate
Polygonatum
commutatum Solomon's Seal 8 High Low Low 24" x 24"3 PS-S Med Spring Rhizomatous
Potentilla fissa Leafy Potentilla 7 Med Low Low 12" x 12"4 Full Low Summer
Pulsatilla patens Pasque Flower 7 Med Low Low 12" x 12"3 Full Med Spring Dies back by mid-summer
Ratibida
columnifera Mexican Hat 7 Med Low Low 24" x 12"3 Full
Med-
Low Summer
Easy to grow; spreads readily by
seed
Rudbeckia fulgida
'Goldstrum'
Black-eyed Susan 7 Med Low Low 24" x 24"3 Full Med Summer
More dense & slightly shorter
than the common variety
Rudbeckia fulgida
'Viette's Little Suzy'
Black-eyed Susan 7 Med Low Low 12" x 12"3 Full Med Summer Compact form
Rudbeckia fulgida
v. sullivantii
'Little Goldstar'
Rudbeckia 7 Med Low Low 12" x 15"3 Full Med Summer Compact form
Rudbeckia fulgida
v. fulgida Brown-eyed Susan 7 Med Low Low 20" x 18"4 Full Med Summer
Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan 7 Med Low Low 24" x 24"4 Full Med Summer
Rudbeckia hirta
hybrid
'Cherry Brandy'
Rudbeckia 7 Med Low Low 20" x 18"5 Full Med Summer Cherry red blooms
Rudbeckia maxima Giant Coneflower 7 Med Low Low 36" x 18"4 Full Med Summer
42
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and are not woody.
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs
Bloom
Time Comments
Perennial Species
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All perennials need to be cut back in late winter & remove the dead
material
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Sanguisorba minor Small Burnet 7 Med Low Low 24" x 24"3 Full Med Fall
Easy to start from seed &
economical,
Sanguisorba
obtusa Burnet 7 Med Low Low 36" x 36"3 Full Low Fall
Saxifraga hirsuta Saxifrage 8 High Low Low 12" x 12"4 Full Med Spring
Scutellaria alpina
'Moonbeam'
Skullcap 8 High Low Low 4" x 12"4 Full-PS Low Summer
Scutellaria
baicalensis Chinese Skullcap 7 Med Low Low 8" x 8"5 Full-PS
Low-
Med Summer
Scutellaria brittonii Skullcap 7 Med Low Low 24" x 36"4 Full Med Summer
Scutellaria resinosa
'Smoky Hills'
Skull Cap 7 Med Low Low 12" x 16"4 Full Low Summer
Scutellaria spp.Skullcap 7 Med Low Low 24" x 36"4 Full Med Summer
Senecio spartioides Broom Groundsel 7 Med Low Low 24" x 24"4 Full Med Summer
Senecio spp.Groundsel 7 Med Low Low 24" x 24"4 Full Med Summer
Solidago
sphacelata
'Golden Fleece'
Goldenrod 8 High Low Low 15" x 24"4 Full Med Summer Rhizomatous
Solidago spp.Goldenrod 7 High Low Low 36" x 36"4 Full Med Summer Rhizomatous
Sphaeralcea
munroana
Orange
Globemallow 7 Med Low Low 24" x 18"3 Full Low Summer
Sphaeralcea spp.Globemallow 7 Med Low Low 24" x 18"5 Full Low Summer Grows easily from seed
Teucrium aroanium
Grey Creeping
Germander 7 Med Low Low 5" x 24"5 PS Low Summer Good performer
Teucrium
chamaedrys Germander 7 Med Low Low 24" x 24"4 Full Med Summer
Teucrium cossoni Germander 7 Med Low Low 24" x 24"4 Full Med Summer
43
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and are not woody.
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs
Bloom
Time Comments
Perennial Species
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All perennials need to be cut back in late winter & remove the dead
material
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Thalictrum fendleri Fendler Meadowrue 7 High Low Low 36" x 24"5 Full Med Summer
Thermopsis
divaricarpa
Spreadfruit
Goldenbanner 8 High Low Low 24" x 36"4 Full High Spring Can be invasive
Tradescantia
occidentalis Western Spiderwort 7 High Low Low 24" x 24"4 Full-PS High Summer
Trifolium spp.Clover 8 High Low Low 12" x 12"4 Full-PS High Summer
May need irrigation & can be
invasive,
Veronica pectinata Speedwell 8 High Low Low 12" x 12"4 Full Med Summer
Xerophyllum tenax Beargrass 5 High Low Low 62" x 48" 5 PS High Summer
Hard to find & grow, needs
partial shade
Zauschneria
garrettii
'Mountain Flame'
California Fuchsia 7 Med Low Low 18" x 25"5 Full Low Summer Attracts hummingbirds
Zauschneria
garrettii
'Orange Carpet'
Trumpet Flower 7 Med Low Low 12" x 24"5 Full Low Summer Attracts hummingbirds
44
Numerical Scoring for Fire Resistance & Zone Choice
Shrub Species
Mineral Content
Moisture Content
Short: < 3' Med: 3' < 8' Tall: 8'+
Height
Volatile Oil Content Low = 2.5 pts. Med = 0.5 pt. High = 0 pt.
Short = 2 pts. Med = 1 pt. Tall= 0 pt.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 1 pts. High = 2.5 pts.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 1 pts. High = 2.5 pts.
45
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Abeliophyllum
distichum White Forsythia 6 High Low Low 5' x 3'5 Full-PS Med
Amelanchier
alnifolia
'Regent' Dwarf
Serviceberry 6 High Low Low 5' x 5'3 Full Med Cultivar known for fruit production
Amelanchier
alnifolia
Saskatoon
Serviceberry 5 High Low Low 20' x 15'4 Full Low
Resprouts from root crown, can form
thickets
Amelanchier
arborea
'Autumn Brilliance'
Downy Serviceberry 5 High Low Low 20' x 20'4 Full Low Resprouts from root crown and seed
Arctostaphylos
nevadensis Pinemat Manzanita 4 Med Low Med 1' x 4'5 Full-PS Low Sub-shrub-woody
Arctostaphylos x
coloradensis Panchito Manzanita 3 Med Low Med 4' x 6'5 PS Low Sub-shrub-woody, slow growing
Aronia arbutifolia
Brilliant Red
Chokeberry 5 High Low Low 10' x 8'4 Full Med Resprouts
Aronia
melanocarpa Black Chokeberry 6 High Low Low 6' x 6'3 Full Low Thicket forming
Atriplex canescens Four-wing Saltbush 6 Low
High
Salt Low 5' x 6'4 Full Low
Use in zone 2 ONLY if cut back to 12"
every third year in late winter - early
spring, may sprout after top-kill, poorly
Atriplex
confertilfolia Shadscale Saltbush 5 Low
Med
Salt Low 3' x 3'3 Full Low Prune back to the base every 2 -5 years
Atriplex gardneri Gardner's Saltbush 6 Low
High
Salt Low 4' x 4'4 Full Low Sub-shrub
Berberis spp.Crimson Barberry 6 Med
Med
Pectin Low 4' x 3'4 Full-PS Med
Berberis thunbergii
'Atropurpurea
Nana' Crimson
Pygmy Barberry 8 High
Med
Pectin Low 2' x 3'4 Full Med Low growing 'pygmy'
Shrubs are woody plants that are distingiushed from trees by their multipule stems and shorter height
Shrub Species
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
46
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Shrubs are woody plants that are distingiushed from trees by their multipule stems and shorter height
Shrub Species
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Buddleia davidii Butterflybush 5 High Low Low 8' x 8'5 Full Med
Use in zone 2 ONLY if cut back to 3-4' in
late winter - early spring, easy to grow,
can be invasive in sites with >24"ppt
Caragana
arborescens Siberian Peashrub 5 High Low Low 18' x 16'3 Full
Low-
Med
Resprouts from rhizomes,
Inexpensive seedlings available
Caragana
microphylla Little Leaf Peashrub 5 High Low Low 8' x 10'2 Full-PS Low
Caragana rosea
Red Flower Pea
Shrub 6 High Low Low 3' x 3'3 Full
Low-
Med
Caryopteris x
clandonensis Blue Mist Spirea 2 Low Low Med 3' x 3'6 Full Med
Prune to 12" in late winter - early spring,
spreads if irrigated
Ceanothus
americanus
'New Jersey Tea'
Ceanothus 8 High
High
Soap Low 3' x 5'4 Full-PS Med Needs winter protection
Ceanothus hybrid
'South Mead'
Ceanothus 7 High
Med
Soap Low 6' x 6'6 Full Med Needs winter protection
Ceanothus pallidus
'Marie Simon'
Ceanothus 7 High
Med
Soap Low 6' x 8'6 Full Med Needs winter protection, Pink flowered
Ceanothus
sanguineus
Redstem
Ceanothus 4 High
Med
Soap Med 10' x 10'4 PS
Low-
Med
Ceanothus x
delilianus
'Gloire de
Versailles'
Ceanothus 7 High
Med
Soap Low 5' x 8'6 Full Low
Powder blue blooms in spring and again in
late summer
Cercocarpus
montanus
True Mountain
Mahogany 3 High Low Med 20' x 8'4 Full Low Resprouts vigorously after fire
Chaenomeles
japonica
Dwarf Flowering
Quince 5 High Low Low 8' x 8'3 Full-PS Med
Chaenomeles
speciosa
Common Flowering
Quince 5 High Low Low 10' x 10'5 Full-PS Med Prune in late winter - early spring,
47
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Shrubs are woody plants that are distingiushed from trees by their multipule stems and shorter height
Shrub Species
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Chaenomeles x
superba
'Texas Scarlet'
Quince 6 High Low Low 3' x 4'3 Full-PS Med
Chaenomeles x
superba
'Jet Trail' Flowering
Quince 6 High Low Low 4' x 4'3 Full-PS Med White flowers
Chaenomeles x
superba 'Spitfire' Quince 6 High Low Low 5' x 5'5 Full-PS Med
Chrysothamnus
nauseosus Gray Rabbitbrush 3 Med Low Med 4' x 3'4 Full Low
Prune in late winter - early spring, fire
usually enhances growth through
resprouting and strong seedling
Chrysothamnus
viscidiflorus Green Rabbitbrush 2 Med Low High 3' x 2'4 Full Low
Prune in late winter - early spring, fire
usually enhances growth through
resprouting and strong seedling
germination, some ssp. are less oily than
others
Cornus sericea 'Kelseyi' Dogwood 6 High Low Low 3' x 4'2 Full-PS High Low growing cultivar
Cornus sericea Red-osier Dogwood 5 High Low Low 8' x 10'2 Full Med
Use in zone 2 only if cut back to 12"
every 5 years, resprouts from root crowns,
Cotoneaster
adpressa
'Praecox' Creeping
Cotoneaster 7 High Low Low 2' x 5'4 Full-PS Med deciduous
Cotoneaster
dammeri
'Mooncreeper'
Bearberry 7 High Low Low 1' x 5'5 Full Low
Cotoneaster
dammeri
Bearberry
Cotoneaster 7 High Low Low 1' x 6'5 Full Med
Cotoneaster
horizontalis
Spreading
Cotoneaster 6 High Low Low 3' x 15'5 Full-PS Low
Cotoneaster
integerrimus
'Centennial'
Cotoneaster 5 High Low Low 12' x 12'4 Full-PS High Native to Europe & northern Asia
48
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Shrubs are woody plants that are distingiushed from trees by their multipule stems and shorter height
Shrub Species
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Cotoneaster
microphyllus
'Thymifolius'
Thyme leaf
Cotoneaster 6 High Low Low 3' x 3'4 Full-PS Low
Cylindropuntia spp.Cholla Cactus 8 High+Low Low 5' x 5'4 Full Low
*Very high moisture content increases the
Fire Resistance (ranking) and suitability for
use in zone 1, Needs well drained soil
Daphne cenorum Rose Daphne 7 High Low Low 1' x 2'4 PS Med
Daphne x
burkwoodii
'Carol Mackie'
Burkwood Daphne 6 High Low Low 4' x 4'4 PS High
Ephedra viridis Mormon Tea 6 High Low Low 3' x 4'5 Full Low Resprouts from the roots
Euonymus alata
'Compacta'
Burning Bush 6 High Low Low 6' x 8'4 Full-PS Med Prune in late winter - early spring
Forsythia hybrid
'Arnold's Dwarf'
Forsythia 6 High Low Low 3' x 7'4 Full-PS Med
Low, spreading habit making it an excellent
groundcover
Forsythia hybrid
'Goldilocks'
Forsythia 6 High Low Low 3' x 4'4 Full-PS Med
Prune in late spring after bloom, purple fall
foliage, long lasting blooms,
Forsythia hybrid 'Sunrise' Forsythia 6 High Low Low 5' x 5' 5 Full-PS Med
Prune in late spring after bloom, rounded,
dense habit,
Forsythia suspensa Weeping Forsythia 6 High Low Low 6' x 6'5 Full-PS Med Prune in late spring after bloom
Forsythia x
intermedia
'Lynwood Gold'
forsythia 6 High Low Low 7' x 7'4 Full-PS Med
Prune in late spring after bloom, do not
over water
Forsythia x
intermedia
'Spring Glory'
Forsythia 6 High Low Low 7' x 7'4 Full-PS Med Prune in late spring after bloom
Forsythia x
intermedia Forsythia 5 High Low Low 9' x 11'4 Full Med Prune in late spring after bloom
Forsythia x
intermedia
'Beatrix Farrand'
Forsythia 5 High Low Low 10' x 10'5 Full-PS Med
Prune in late spring after bloom,
Large, 2+" yellow flowers
Hamamelis
virginiana
Common Witch
Hazel 5 High Low Low 25' x 15'3 Full-PS Med Prune in early winter - early spring
49
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Shrubs are woody plants that are distingiushed from trees by their multipule stems and shorter height
Shrub Species
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Jasminum
nudiflorum
Weeping Winter
Jasmine 7 High Med Low 4' x 6'6 Full Low Frost sensitive, needs good drainage
Kerria japonica
'Pleniflora' Golden
Guinea Kerria 6 High Low Low 6' x 6' 4 PS Med
Prune in late winter - early spring, resprouts
from root crown
Kerria japonica Japanese Kerria 5 High Low Low 8' x 8'4 PS Med Prune in early winter - early spring
Kochia prostrata Forage Kochia 7 High Low Low 2' x 3'4 Full Low
*Can be invassive, resprouts after fire,
competes well with annual invassives such
as cheatgrass
Ligustrum vulgare 'Lodense' Privet 6 High Low Low 4' x 4'4 Full Med
Prune in late winter - early spring,
resprouts; very compact, Best Privet
Ligustrum vulgare Common Privet 5 High Low Low 12' x 12' 4 Full-PS Med Prune in early winter - early spring
Mahonia aquifolium
'Compactum'
Oregon Grape 4 High Low Med 4' x 4'4 PS Med Resprouts from rhizomes protected by soil
Mahonia
haematocarpa Red Oregon Grape 6 High Low Low 5' x 5'5 Full-PS Med
Mahonia repens
Creeping Oregon
Grape 4 Med Low Med 2' x 6'4 Full Low
Philadelphus
coronarius
'Aureus' Golden
Leaf Mockorange 8 High
High
Soap Low 5' x 6'4 Full Med
Prune in late spring after bloom, most frost
sensitive Philadelphus , resprouts, gold
foilage, white flowers,
Philadelphus hybrid
'Buckley's Quill'
Mockorange 8 High
High
Soap Low 4' x 4'4 Full Med
Prune in late spring after bloom, resprouts,
1" flowers with quill-like petals. good
performer in our climate
Philadelphus hybrid
'Blizzard'
Mockorange 8 High
High
Soap Low 5' x 4'3 Full-PS Med
Prune in late spring after bloom, cold
hardiness good for higher elevations
50
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Shrubs are woody plants that are distingiushed from trees by their multipule stems and shorter height
Shrub Species
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Philadelphus lewisii
Syringa,
Mockorange 7 High
High
Soap Low 11' x 7'4 Full Med
Prune in late spring after bloom, resprouts
vigorously from root crown,
Idaho state flower
Philadelphus lewisii
'Cheyenne'
Mockorange 8 High
High
Soap Low 6' x 6'3 Full Med
Prune in late spring after bloom, cold
hardiness good for higher elevations
Philadelphus
pekinensis Peking Mockorange 8 High
High
Soap Low 6' x 6'5 Full Med Prune in late spring after bloom, resprouts
Philadelphus
scaber
Korean
Mockorange 7 High
High
Soap Low 10' x 6'5 Full Med Prune in late spring after bloom, resprouts
Philadelphus
tomentosus
Kashmir
Mockorange 7 High
High
Soap Low 10' x 4'5 Full Med Prune in late spring after bloom, resprouts
Philadelphus
virginalis
'Minnesota
Snowflake'
Mockorange 8 High
High
Soap Low 6' x 8' 4 Full Med Prune in late spring after bloom, resprouts
Philadelphus x
hybrid
'Snowbelle'
Mockorange 8 High
High
Soap Low 4' x 4'4 Full
Low-
Med Prune in late spring after bloom
Philadelphus x
lemoinei
'Manteau
d'Hermine' Dwarf
Mockorange 8 High
High
Soap Low 3' x 3'3 Full Med
Prune in late spring after bloom, resprouts,
good dwarf form,
Philadelphus x
lemoinei
'Innocence'
Mockorange 7 High
High
Soap Low 8' x 8'4 Full-PS
Low-
Med
Prune in late spring after bloom, minor frost
damage
Philadelphus x
virginalis
'Dwarf Snowflake'
Mockorange 8 High
High
Soap Low 4' x 4'4 Full Med
Prune in late spring after bloom, resprouts,
disease resistant foliage
Physocarpus
malvaceus Ninebark 5 Med Low Low 6' x 6'3 PS Med
Prune in late winter - early spring, resprouts
from rhizomes protected by soil
Physocarpus
opulifolius
'Dart's Gold'
Ninebark 5 Med Low Low 5' x 5'3 Full High Prune in late winter - early spring
Physocarpus
opulifolius Tall Ninebark 2 Med Low Low 9' x 8'3 Full High Resprouts from rhizomes protected by soil
Potentilla fruticosa Shrubby Cinquefoil 5 Med Low Low 3' x 3'3 Full-PS Med
Prune in late spring after bloom, resprouts
from rhizomes/root crown
51
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Shrubs are woody plants that are distingiushed from trees by their multipule stems and shorter height
Shrub Species
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Potentilla fruticosa
'Pink Beauty'
Potentilla 5 Med Low Low 3' x 3'3 Full Med Prune in late spring after bloom
Prunus americana American Plum 5 High Low Low 25' x 6'3 Full Low
Resprouts via adventitious-bud root crown
and seeds
Prunus emarginata Bitter Cherry 5 High Low Low 25' x 25'4 Full-PS Med
Enhanced by fire, resprouts via adventitious-
bud root crown
Prunus pumila Sandcherry 6 High Low Low 6' x 8'3 Full Low
Resprouts via adventitious-bud root crown
and seeds
Prunus pumila
v. besseyi
Western
Sandcherry 6 High Low Low 5' x 5'3 Full Low
Resprouts via adventitious-bud root crown
and seeds, easy to grow
Prunus pumila v.
besseyi
'Pawnee Buttes'
Sand Cherry 7 High Low Low 1.5' x 6'3 Full Low Prostrate cultivar;
Prunus tomentosa Nanking Cherry 6 High Low Low 7' x 7'3 Full-PS Med
Resprouts from root crown and seed bank,
easy to grow, fast growing, economical
Prunus virginiana Chokecherry 5 High Low Low 20' x 25'2 Full Med Resprouts
Pyracantha
angustifolia
'Gnozam'
Pyracantha 6 High Low Low 6' x 8'6 Full-PS
Low-
Med Evergreen, cut back
Rhamnus frangula
'Asplenifolia'
Alderleaf Buckthorn 6 High
Med
Soap Low 11' x 9'3 Full-PS Low Resprouts from root crown
Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low' Sumac 7 High
Med
Soap Low 3' x 7'3 Full Low
Prune in late winter - early spring,
regenerates from perennating buds on root,
rhizomes and soil banked seeds,
Rhus trilobata
'Autumn Amber'
Sumac 8 High
Med
Soap Low 2' x 10'4 Full Low
Regenerates from perennating buds on
roots, rhizomes and soil banked seeds,
Rhus trilobata Oak-leaf Sumac 7 High
Med
Soap Low 7' x 10'3 Full-PS Low
Prune in late winter - early spring,
regenerates from perennating buds on
roots, rhizomes and soil banked seeds,
52
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Shrubs are woody plants that are distingiushed from trees by their multipule stems and shorter height
Shrub Species
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Rhus typhina
'Laciniata' Cut-leaf
Sumac 7 High
Med
Soap Low 6' x 4'4 Full-PS Low
Regenerates from rhizomes and soil
banked seeds, spreads by shoots
Ribes aureum Golden Currant 6 High Low Low 7' x 7'3 Full-PS Med
Prune to 12" in late winter - early spring
every 5 years, survivability depends on
severity of fire, in low to mod. fires
Ribes odoratum
'Crandall' Clove-
scented Currant 6 High Low Low 5' x 5'4 Full-PS Med
Survivability depends on severity of fire. In
low to mod. fires resprouts from rhizomes
Ribes sanguineum Redflower Currant 6 High Low Low 5' x 4'5 Full-PS Med
Survivability depends on severity of fire, in
low to mod. fires resprouts from rhizomes,
Rosa hybrid 'Nearly Wild' Rose 6 High Low Low 3' x 4'4 Full Med Flowers all summer, pink to red,
Rosa hybrid 'John Cabot' Rose 5 High Low Low 8' x 8'3 Full Med Climbing rose, rosey pink
Rosa woodsii Woods' Rose 5 High Low Low 8' x 8'2 Full-PS Low
Prune to 12" in late winter - early spring
every 5 years, resprouts from root crown
and rhizomes, easy to grow
Rubus spp.Raspberries 6 High Med Low 8' x 8'4 Full High
Resprouts from roots, rhizomes and long-
lived fire-resistant seeds,
Salix caprea
French Pussy
Willow 5 High Low Low 15' x 15'4 Full High
Use in zone 2 ONLY if cut back to 3-4' in
late winter - early spring
Salix integra
'Hakuro Nishiki'
Dappled Willow 5 High Low Low 8' x 8'3 Full High Resprouts
Salix lutea Golden Willow 5 High Low Low 8' x 8'3 Full High
Native willow at low elevations to 5,000 ft.,
may need pruning occasionally to improve
fire resistance, best pruned to 4'
Salix purpurea
'Nana' Dwarf Blue
Arctic Willow 6 High Low Low 6' x 4'3 Full High
Use in zone 2 only if pruned to 12" in
late winter - early spring every 5 years,
resprouts
Salix scouleriana Scouler Willow 5 High Low Low 15' x 25'6 Full High
Use in zone 2 ONLY if kept < 8'
Native to dry upland forests, can be pruned
53
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Shrubs are woody plants that are distingiushed from trees by their multipule stems and shorter height
Shrub Species
On site at the
Firewise Garden Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Salvia pachyphylla 'Blue Flame' Sage 3 Med Low High 2' x 3'5 Full Low
Sambucus cerulea Blue Elderberry 7 High
High
Soap/
Pectin Low 10' x 5'3 PS Med
Use in zone 2 only if pruned to 12" in
late winter - early spring every third
year, resprouts from root crown and seed
bank
Shepherdia
argentea Silver Buffaloberry 6 High
Med
Soap Low 10' x 8'2 Full-PS Med Resprouts from root crown
Shepherdia
canadensis Russet Buffaloberry 7 High
Med
Soap Low 7' x 7'2 Full Med
Resprouts from root crown, low-to
moderate-intensity fires may increase vigor,
density, & fruit production of russet
buffaloberry in old-growth stands
Shepherdia
rotundifolia
Roundleaf
Buffaloberry 7 High
Med
Soap Low 4' x 6'5 Full Low Competes well with cheat grass in the field
Symphoricarpos
albus Snowberry 8 High
High
Soap/
Pectin Low 5' x 5'3 Full-PS Med
Prune to 12" in late winter - early spring
every 5 years, resprouts from rhizomes
Syringa hybrid 'Tinkerbell' Lilac 7 High Low Low 2' x 2'3 Full Med Dwarf shrub
Syringa vulgaris Lilac 5 High Low Low 8' x 10'3 Full Med
Prune in late spring after bloom, resprouts
from rhizomes, easy to grow, economical,
Yucca filamentosa
'Ivory Tower'
Yucca 8 High
High
Soap Low 3' x 3'4 Full Low Sprouts from the caudex,
Yucca glauca Great Plains Yucca 8 High
High
Soap Low 4' x 4'4 Full Low Sprouts from the caudex,
54
Numerical Scoring for Fire Resistance & Zone Choice
Deciduous Species
Mineral Content
Moisture Content
Short: < 20' Med: 20' - 35' Tall: > 35'
Height
Volatile Oil Content Low = 2.5 pts. Med = 0 pt. High = 0 pt.
Short = 2.5
pts. Med = 1.5 pts. Tall= -1 pt.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 1 pts. High = 2 pts.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 1 pts. High = 2 pts.
55
Deciduous Tree Species
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Acer glabrum
Rocky Mountain
Maple 6 High Low Low 30' x 15'4 PS-S High
Resprouts from root crown, can grow as
small tree or shrub form
Acer
grandidentatum Bigtooth maple 6 High Low Low 35' x 25'4 Full Med
Acer negundo Boxelder 5 High+Low Low 50' x 35'3 Full Med
Acer spp.Maple 5 High+Low Low 75' x 75'4 Full Med Reestablishes through seedling & sprouts
Acer tatericum
subsp. ginnala Amur Maple 6 High Low Low 25' x 15'3 Full Med
Resprouts from root crown; low branched
multi-stemmed
Aesculus
hippocastanum Horsechestnut 6 High
High
Soap Low 60' x 50'4 Full Med Resprouts from root crown
Aesculus
hippocastanum
'Braumannii'
Horse Chestnut 6 High
High
Soap Low 60' x 50'4 Full Med White flowers on this fruitless cultivar,
Alnus glutinosa Black Alder 4 High Low Low 50' x 30'4 Full-PS High Resprouts from root crown
Alnus spp.Alder 4 High Low Low 40' x 20'4 Full-PS High Resprouts from root crown
Alnus tenuifolia Thin Leaf Alder 6 High Low Low 20' x 15'4 Full-PS High
Betula occidentalis Water Birch 4 High Low Med 25' x 15'4 PS High
Resprouts from root crown, basal buds, and
seed
Carya spp.Hickory 1 High Low Med 85' x 60'5 Full Med
Flammable,
resprouts from root crown, bark sheds
Catalpa speciosa Northern Catalpa 5 High+Low Low 90' x 45'4 Full High Forms high canopy & deep roots
Celtis occidentalis
Common
Hackberry 4 High Low Low 60' x 45'4 Full-PS Med Resprouts from root crown
Celtis reticulata Netleaf Hackberry 6 High Low Low 30' x 25'5 Full-PS Low
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All trees have better fire resistance when pruned and lacking dead
wood. Deciduous trees are less susceptible to fire during the
dormant season.
Cultivated species that are grafted will not resprout true to cultivar
from root stock or crown wood.
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Deciduous means falling off at maturity; typically trees or
shrubs that lose their leaves seasonally
56
Deciduous Tree Species
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All trees have better fire resistance when pruned and lacking dead
wood. Deciduous trees are less susceptible to fire during the
dormant season.
Cultivated species that are grafted will not resprout true to cultivar
from root stock or crown wood.
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Deciduous means falling off at maturity; typically trees or
shrubs that lose their leaves seasonally
Cercis canadensis Eastern Redbud 6 High Low Low 25' x 30'4 PS High
Chilopsis linearis
'Art's Seedless'
Desert Willow 7 High Low Low 18' x 15'6 Full Low Winter die back
Chilopsis linearis
'Bubba'
Desert Willow 7 High Low Low 18' x 15'6 Full Low Winter die back
Chilopsis linearis
'Monhews'
Desert Willow 7 High Low Low 18' x 15'6 Full Low Winter die back
Cornus florida Flowering Dogwood 6 High Low Low 25' x 25'5 PS High
Cotinus coggyria Purple Smoketree 5 Med Low Low 15' x 15'5 Full Med
Considerable fine fuel lowered fire
resistance rating
Crataegus
crus-galli
'Cruzan' Crusader
Hawthorne 7 High Low Low 15' x 15'4 Full Low Lacks thorns
Crataegus
columbiana
Columbia
Hawthorne 7 High Low Low 15' x 15'4 Full-PS
Low-
Med Red colored fruit, very long thorns
Crataegus
douglasii Douglas Hawthorne 7 High Low Low 15' x 15'3 Full Med Black colored fruit
Diospyros
virginiana
Common
Persimmon 4 High Low Low 75' x 30'4 Full Med
Resprouts from root crown and buds, frost
sensitive
Fraxinus cuspidata
Fragrant Flowering
Ash 6 High Low Low 20' x 15'7 Full
Low-
Med
Gleditsia tricanthos Honey Locust 4 High Low Low 40' x 40'4 Full Med
Gymnocladus
dioicus
Kentucky
Coffee Tree 4 High Low Low 70' x 45'5 Full Med High canopy, frost sensitive
57
Deciduous Tree Species
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All trees have better fire resistance when pruned and lacking dead
wood. Deciduous trees are less susceptible to fire during the
dormant season.
Cultivated species that are grafted will not resprout true to cultivar
from root stock or crown wood.
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Deciduous means falling off at maturity; typically trees or
shrubs that lose their leaves seasonally
Juglans nigra Black Walnut 4 High Low Low 65' x 65'4 Full Med
Resprouts from root crown; disease is
wiping them out
Liquidambar
styraciflua Sweetgum 4 High Low Low 65' x 45'5 Full High Resprouts from root crown
Liriodendron
tulipifera Tuliptree 4 High Low Low 80' x 40'4 Full Med
Malus hybrid 'Dolgo' Crabapple 8 High Med Low 18' x 15' 2 Full Med
Malus hybrid
'Cinderella'
Dwarf Crabapple 8 High Med Low 8' x 5'4 Full Med
Malus sargentii
'Roselow'
Sargent Crabapple 8 High Med Low 8' x 10' 4 Full Med
Prunus
pennsylvanica Wild Red Cherry 6 High Low Low 35' x 25'3 Full Low
Resprouts rapidly and prolifically from
surviving root crowns and rhizomes, may
become shrub-like post-fire
Prunus virginiana Chokecherry 6 High Low Low 20' x 25'3 Full Med Resprouts from root crown, rhizomatous
Quercus alba White Oak 4 High Low Low 70' x 70'4 Full Med Most oaks survive periodic fires
Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak 4 High Low Low 55' x 55'4 Full Med
Quercus gambelii Gambel Oak 6 Med Low Low 10' x 5'4 Full Med
Higher resistance to fire compared to other
oaks
Quercus
macrocarpa Bur Oak 4 High Low Low 75' x 75'3 Full Med
Quercus rubra Red Oak 4 High Low Low 70' x 70'4 Full Med
Rhamnus
purshiana Cascara 7 High
Med
Soap Low 30' x 20' 5 Full-PS Med
Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac 8 High
Med
Soap Low 10' x 12'3 Full-PS Low
58
Deciduous Tree Species
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Cultural Requirements
On site at the
Firewise Garden
*All trees have better fire resistance when pruned and lacking dead
wood. Deciduous trees are less susceptible to fire during the
dormant season.
Cultivated species that are grafted will not resprout true to cultivar
from root stock or crown wood.
Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Deciduous means falling off at maturity; typically trees or
shrubs that lose their leaves seasonally
Salix alba Golden Willow 5 High+Low Low 65' x 65'2 Full High
Salix spp.Willow 6 High Low Low Variable 3 Full High
Sorbus aucuparia
European
Mountain-ash 6 High Low Low 20' x 30'3 PS Med
59
Numerical Scoring for Fire Resistance & Zone Choice
Non - Turf Grass Species
*Turf grasses are listed in a separate section (pages 25 - 26).
Mineral Content
Moisture Content
Short: < 6"Med: > 6" - 12"Tall: > 12"
Height
Volatile Oil Content Low = 2 pts. Med = 0 pt. High = 0 pt.
Short = 2 pts. Med = 0.5 pt. Tall = -1 pt.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 1 pts. High = 2 pts.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 1 pts. High = 2 pts.
60
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Typical
Height
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun
or
Shade
Water
Needs Form Comments
Achnatherum
hymenoides Indian Ricegrass 1 Low Low Low Tall 3 Full Low Bunch
Agropyron
cristatum
Crested
Wheatgrass 4 Med Low Low Med 3 Full Low Bunch Needs mowing, drought tolerant
Agropyron smithii
Western
Wheatgrass 4 Med Low Low Med 3 Full Low Rhizome Creates a continous fuel
Agropyron
spicatum
Bluebunch
Wheatgrass 4 Med Low Low Med 3 Full Low Bunch
Dactylis glomerata Orchardgrass 5 High Low Low Med 4 Full Med Bunch Needs summer irrigation
Elymus elymoides Squirreltail Grass 3 Low Low Low Med 3 Full Low Bunch
Festuca glauca Fescue 6 Med Low Low Short 3 Full Low Bunch
Needs moderate summer
irrigation
Festuca idahoensis Idaho Fescue 6 Med Low Low Short 3 Full Low Bunch
Needs moderate summer
irrigation
Hesperostipa
comata Needle & Thread 1 Low Low Low Tall 3 Full Low Bunch
Koeleria
macrantha Prairie Junegrass 4 Med Low Low Med 3 Full Low Bunch
Leymus cinereus
Great Basin
Wildrye 2 Med Low Low Tall 3 Full Med Bunch
Poa secunda
Sandberg
Bluegrass 6 Med Low Low Short 3 Full Low Bunch
Competes well with cheatgrass
without irrigation
Poa secunda
v. Mt. Home
Mt. Home
Sandberg
Bluegrass 6 Med Low Low Short 3 Full Low Bunch
Needs moderate summer
irrigation
On site at the
Firewise Garden
Most grasses need seasonal mowing or grazing to improve fire resistance.
Once dry all grasses are flammable and have low fire resistance. Short stature
grasses don't need mowing.
Cultural RequirementsDecreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
Non-Turf Grass Species
*Turf grasses are listed in a separate section (pgs. 25 - 26).
Grasses are monocots in the Poaceae family
61
Numerical Scoring for Fire Resistance & Zone Choice
*Conifer Species
Tall: > 50'
Mineral Content
Moisture Content
Height
Volatile Oil Content
Short: < 20' Med: 20' - 50'
Low = 2 pts. Med = 0.5 pt. High = 0 pt.
Short = 1 pt. Med = 0.5 pt. Tall= 0 pt.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 1 pts. High = 2 pts.
Low = 0 pt. Med = 1 pts. High = 2 pts.
62
Botanical Name Common Name
Score For
Fire
Resistance
Moisture
Content on
4th July
Mineral
Content
(Soap,
Salt, etc.)
Volatile
Oil/Resin
Content
Height
x
Width
Hardy
to
Zone
Sun
or
Shade
Water
Needs Comments
Larix kaempferi
'Blue Rabbit'
Japanese Larch 5 High Low Low 8' x 3'3 Full Med
Deciduous, yellow fall color, nice tree for
bonsai
Larix laricina Eastern Larch 4 High Low Low 60' x 20'2 Full Med
Deciduous, yellow fall color, does not
tolerate heat, shade or pollution
Larix occidentalis Western Larch 4 High Low Low 120' x 40'3 Full Med
Deciduous, yellow fall color, prefers cool
N.E. moist slopes,
Pinus jeffreyi Jeffrey Pine 1 Med Low High 90' x 25'5 Full Low
* Have evolved thick bark and the loss of
lower limbs which aid in higher fire
resistance, evergreen, summer drought
tolerant
Pinus ponderosa Ponderosa Pine 1 Med Low High 100' x 30'3 Full Low
*Have evolved thick bark and the loss of
lower limbs which aid in higher fire
resistance, evergreen, summer drought
tolerant
Pseudotsuga
menziesii
v. glauca
Rocky Mountain
Douglas-fir 1 Med Low High 100' x 20'3 Full Med Evergreen
Sequoiadendron
giganteum Giant Sequoia 1 Med Low High 150' x 35'6 Full Med
Evergreen, needs duff to protect roots from
mechanical damage; fire resistance comes
from its thick bark
Cultural Requirements
Pruning lower branches and raking up dead needles improves fire
resistance for all conifer trees, all conifer trees are wildlife friendly Conifer Tree Species
Conifers are cone-bearing seed plants usually in tree form
On site at the
Firewise Garden Decreases Flammability
Increases Flammability
Fire Resistant Attributes
63
This database was produced by:
Roger Rosentreter "Former BLM Idaho State Office Botanist"
Brett Van Paepeghem "BLM Plant Biological Technician"
Ann DeBolt "Idaho Botanical Garden Natural Communities Specialist"
Thank you to the following people who contributed to this data base
Leslie Blackburn College of Western Idaho Horticulture Program Director
John Dodson College of Western Idaho Horticulture Program Instructor
Michael Kuhns Forester for the Utah State Forestry Extension and author of Firewise Landscaping for Utah
Scott Lambert Former National BLM seed coordinator
Gary Moen Former College of Western Idaho Horticulture Program Instructor
Mike Pellant Former Great Basin Restoration Coordinator
Jon Skinner National Interagency Fire Center Fire Mitigation & Education Specialist
Acknowledgements