Building a Fire-Wise Garden, One Plant at a Time

Choosing fire-resistant plants is one of the most impactful steps you can take toward a safer landscape. The right plants won't just reduce fire risk. They'll also thrive in our climate with less water and maintenance.

Remember, no plant is completely fireproof. But these 10 options are high in moisture, low in flammable oils, and less likely to ignite or spread fire. Most are also drought-tolerant once established, making them perfect for Santa Cruz gardens.

1. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)

Also called California holly, toyon is a Santa Cruz native that checks all the boxes. Its leathery, moisture-rich leaves resist ignition, and those bright red winter berries add seasonal color. Toyon works well as a large shrub or small tree and provides food for birds.

Best for: Zone 2, background plantings, wildlife habitat Size: 6 to 15 feet tall

2. Rockrose (Cistus species)

Rockrose is a Mediterranean native that loves our dry summers. It produces papery flowers in white, pink, or purple throughout spring and early summer. While it does contain some oils, its low-growing habit and high moisture content make it a good fire-wise choice when properly maintained.

Best for: Zone 2, slopes, mass plantings Size: 2 to 5 feet tall depending on variety

3. California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)

This low-growing perennial explodes with bright orange-red tubular flowers in late summer, just when hummingbirds need it most. California fuchsia stays low to the ground and dies back in winter, leaving little fuel to burn.

Best for: Zone 1 edges, Zone 2, rock gardens Size: 1 to 2 feet tall, spreading

4. Yarrow (Achillea species)

Yarrow is tough, drought-tolerant, and fire-resistant. Its feathery foliage stays relatively moist, and the flat-topped flower clusters come in white, yellow, pink, and red. It spreads easily and works well as a ground cover or border plant.

Best for: Zone 1, Zone 2, meadow gardens Size: 1 to 3 feet ta

5. Lavender (Lavandula species)

Lavender is a fire-wise favorite when maintained properly. The key is pruning it regularly and removing dead material. Its high moisture content and low growth habit make it a good choice for Zone 2. Avoid planting it directly against the house.

Best for: Zone 2, borders, herb gardens Size: 2 to 3 feet tall Maintenance note: Prune after flowering and remove dead stems annually

6. Stonecrop (Sedum species)

Succulents like stonecrop are excellent fire-resistant choices. Their fleshy leaves store water, making them very difficult to ignite. Low-growing sedums work well as ground covers, in rock gardens, or tucked into stone walls.

Best for: Zone 1, Zone 2, rock gardens, green roofs Size: 2 inches to 2 feet depending on variety

7. Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis)

This California native is one of the most fire-resistant shrubs available. The low-growing cultivar 'Pigeon Point' makes an excellent ground cover for slopes and large areas. Keep it pruned to reduce bulk and remove any dead material.

Best for: Zone 2, erosion control, slopes Size: 1 to 3 feet tall (dwarf varieties), up to 8 feet (standard)

8. Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)

Our iconic coast live oak is naturally fire-resistant thanks to its thick bark and high-moisture leaves. Properly maintained oaks with pruned lower branches and cleared understory are a fire-wise asset. Just keep the area beneath them clear of leaf litter.

Best for: Zone 2 and beyond, shade trees, habitat Size: 30 to 80 feet tall Maintenance note: Prune lower branches up 6 to 10 feet, clear debris underneath

9. Sage (Salvia species)

Many salvias are excellent fire-wise choices, especially our native sages like black sage (Salvia mellifera) and creeping sage (Salvia sonomensis). They're high in moisture, low-growing, and beloved by pollinators. Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii) is another great option.

Best for: Zone 2, pollinator gardens, borders Size: 1 to 5 feet depending on variety

Note: Avoid planting aromatic sages directly against the house

10. Ice Plant (Delosperma or Carpobrotus species)

Ice plant is about as fire-resistant as it gets. Its succulent leaves are full of water and extremely difficult to burn. Use it as a ground cover in Zone 1 or on slopes. It's also salt-tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal gardens.

Best for: Zone 1, Zone 2, slopes, coastal areas Size: 3 to 6 inches tall, spreading

Putting It All Together

When selecting fire-resistant plants, placement matters as much as species choice. Use the most fire-resistant options in Zone 0 (0-5 feet from your home), where ember resistance is critical. In Zone 1 (5-30 feet), focus on well-spaced, low-fuel plants that stay green with irrigation. Zone 2 (30-100 feet) can include a wider variety, with emphasis on spacing and fuel reduction.

Mix these fire-resistant plants with hardscape elements like gravel pathways, stone borders, and patios to create natural firebreaks throughout your garden.

Where to Find These Plants

Many local nurseries carry fire-resistant options:

Ask specifically for fire-wise or defensible space plants. Staff can help you choose varieties suited to your specific conditions.

Related guides:

10 Fire-Resistant Plants for Santa Cruz Gardens