Fire Garden

While there is no such thing as a fireproof plant, those in the Authentic Foothill Gardens at Sierra Madre City Hall that surround the police and fire station retain moisture and play an important role in fuel management.

These plants are particularly useful in wildfire-prone areas like Sierra Madre. An added bonus: Bushes are key to cooling areas, and plentiful foliage like this can reduce air conditioning costs by 15-50 percent.

Oregon Grape in Fall: Resists fire, produces grapes, attracts wildlife, and enjoys both rain and shade gardens

Dwarf Coyote Bush: Resists fire, attracts wildlife, and beautifully retains slopes – an ideal plant for the foothills!

Oregon Grape (Spring): Resists fire, produces grapes, attracts wildlife, and enjoys both rain and shade gardens

Coffeeberry, Rhamnus californica: Coffeeberry makes a lovely deep, evergreen hedge or shrub

Rhus integrifolia, Lemonade Berry

California Yucca: A real powerhouse! Enjoys full sun, resists fire, and nearly every aspect is edible

 

More Information:

• Fire-Mitigating Foliage in Pinterest
• Fire-Mitigating Foliage in LA Times
• Yucca vs. Pampas Grass
• Oregon Grape vs. Non-Native Grape
• Coffeeberry vs. Pittosporum