10 Fire-Resistant Plants for Santa Cruz Gardens
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.
| Trait | Better for fire resistance | Higher fire risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf and stem moisture | Succulents, fleshy leaves, or thick evergreen foliage that stays moist | Thin, dry, or papery leaves | High-moisture leaves (often 80–95% water) are slower to ignite |
| Oils and resins | Low-oil foliage | High-oil foliage (some aromatics and resinous shrubs) | Aromatic and resinous plants can burn very intensely when dry |
| Dead material | Plants that shed little dead wood and are easy to prune | Plants that hold dead twigs and leaves or build thick thatch | Even a “good” plant becomes risky if dead material accumulates |
| Structure and height | Low, open, widely spaced plants | Tall, dense, continuous hedges or screens | Dense, continuous fuel beds allow fire to move more easily |
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. Regional fire-resistant plant lists note toyon as "relatively fire resistant, especially if watered."
Best for: Zone 2, background plantings, wildlife habitat
Size: 6 to 15 feet tall
Maintenance note: Prune lower branches; avoid dense hedges next to structures.
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
Maintenance note: Shear or thin periodically to remove dead wood and keep plants low. Without regular pruning, rockrose can become more flammable over time.
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
Maintenance note: Cut back dormant stems; prevent thatch buildup.
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 tall
Maintenance note: Deadhead and thin clumps to limit dry flower stalks.
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.
CAL FIRE notes that as lavender ages, stems can get woody and more flammable. Rejuvenate or replace old plants and keep them out of Zone 0.
Best for: Zone 2, borders, herb gardens
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall
Maintenance note: Prune after flowering and remove dead stems annually. Replace overly woody plants that have lost their lush, green growth.
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; Zone 0 only in containers on hardscape
Size: 2 inches to 2 feet depending on variety
Maintenance note: Keep mats thinned; remove dead foliage as needed.
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)
Maintenance note: Use low cultivars; shear regularly; remove dead stems. Without regular pruning and removal of dead wood, coyote brush can become more flammable over time. Schedule annual thinning.
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 leaf litter and ladder fuels 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
Maintenance note: Prune after bloom; avoid planting dense aromatic masses near the house. Keep out of Zone 0.
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; Zone 0 only in containers on hardscape
Size: 3 to 6 inches tall, spreading
Maintenance note: In older, thick mats, remove underlying dead thatch so the planting stays as low-fuel as possible. Control spread in sensitive areas.
| Plant | Primary use zones | Key maintenance notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toyon | Zone 2 and beyond | Prune lower branches; avoid dense hedges next to structures |
| Rockrose | Zone 2 | Shear or thin periodically to remove dead wood and keep plants low |
| California fuchsia | Zone 1 edges, Zone 2 | Cut back dormant stems; prevent thatch buildup |
| Yarrow | Zones 1–2 | Deadhead and thin clumps to limit dry flower stalks |
| Lavender | Zone 2 | Prune annually; replace overly woody plants; keep out of Zone 0 |
| Stonecrop (sedum) | Zones 0–1 in containers; Zones 1–2 in-ground | Keep mats thinned; remove dead foliage as needed |
| Coyote brush | Zone 2 | Use low cultivars; shear regularly; remove dead stems |
| Coast live oak | Zone 2+ | Limb up 6–10 ft; clear leaf litter and ladder fuels underneath |
| Sages (Salvia species) | Zone 2 | Prune after bloom; avoid planting dense aromatic masses near the house |
| Ice plant | Zones 1–2; Zone 0 only in containers on hardscape | Remove accumulated thatch; control spread in sensitive areas |
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. Current CAL FIRE guidance recommends no combustible plants in Zone 0; where any plants are allowed, they should be very limited, highly succulent, and in non-combustible containers on hardscape, set away from walls.
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:
Sierra Azul Nursery (Watsonville) specializes in natives
Dig Gardens (Santa Cruz and Aptos)
San Lorenzo Garden Center
Scarborough Gardens
Ask specifically for fire-wise or defensible space plants. Staff can help you choose varieties suited to your specific conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire-Resistant Plants in Santa Cruz
What makes a plant fire-resistant?
Fire-resistant plants share several characteristics: high moisture content in leaves and stems, low oil or resin content, minimal dead material accumulation, and open branching structure. Succulents store water in their leaves, making them very difficult to ignite. Plants with thick, leathery leaves retain moisture better than thin, papery foliage. No plant is fireproof, but fire-resistant varieties are slower to ignite and less likely to spread flames.
Can I plant lavender near my house in a fire zone?
Lavender is fire-resistant when properly maintained, but avoid planting it directly against your house (Zone 0, within 5 feet). Its aromatic oils can become flammable if the plant is stressed, dead, or neglected. As lavender ages, stems get woody and more flammable. Plant lavender in Zone 2 (30+ feet from structures) and maintain it well: prune after flowering, remove dead stems annually, and keep plants irrigated. Replace overly woody plants. With proper care, lavender is a good fire-wise choice.
Are succulents fire-resistant?
Yes, succulents are among the most fire-resistant plants available. Their fleshy leaves store water, making them extremely difficult to ignite. Ice plant, stonecrop (sedum), aloe, and other succulents work well in Zone 1 near structures. Some agencies now recommend no in-ground plants at all in Zone 0; where allowed, use only a few well-watered succulents in non-combustible containers on hardscape, set away from walls and under-eave areas. Succulents also require minimal water once established, making them practical for Santa Cruz's dry summers.
Where can I buy fire-resistant plants in Santa Cruz County?
Several local nurseries carry fire-resistant and native plant options. Sierra Azul Nursery in Watsonville specializes in California natives. Dig Gardens (Santa Cruz and Aptos), San Lorenzo Garden Center, and Scarborough Gardens also stock fire-wise options. Ask specifically for defensible space or fire-resistant plants. Staff can help match varieties to your specific conditions and microclimate.
What's the difference between Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 for fire-wise planting?
CAL FIRE defines defensible space zones around structures. Zone 0 (0-5 feet from home) should have no combustible plants; where vegetation is allowed, stick to a few well-watered succulents in containers on gravel or stone, set away from walls. Zone 1 (5-30 feet) allows well-spaced, low-fuel, irrigated plants like yarrow and California fuchsia. Zone 2 (30-100 feet) permits a wider plant variety with emphasis on spacing, fuel reduction, and removing dead material. Match plant choices to each zone.
Are California native plants fire-resistant?
Many California natives evolved with fire and are naturally fire-resistant. Toyon, coyote brush, coast live oak, California fuchsia, and native sages like black sage and creeping sage are excellent fire-wise choices. They're adapted to our dry summers, require less water once established, and support local wildlife. However, some natives (like coyote brush) need regular pruning to remove dead material and maintain fire resistance. Even good plants become risky if dead material accumulates.
What fire-resistant plants attract pollinators and wildlife?
Several fire-resistant plants provide excellent wildlife habitat. California fuchsia attracts hummingbirds with its late-summer orange-red flowers. Lavender and sage species are beloved by bees and butterflies. Toyon's red winter berries feed birds. Yarrow attracts beneficial insects. Coyote brush provides habitat for native insects. You can create beautiful, wildlife-friendly landscaping that also reduces fire risk.
Should I remove all plants near my house for fire safety?
Not necessarily. Strategic fire-wise landscaping with the right plants can be safer than bare soil (which causes erosion) or gravel alone. The key is choosing fire-resistant species, maintaining them properly, spacing plants appropriately, and using hardscape (gravel paths, stone borders, patios) as firebreaks. Zone 0 should have minimal to no plants, but Zones 1 and 2 can include well-maintained, fire-resistant landscaping. In very high-risk areas, local agencies may require completely plant-free Zone 0; check with your fire department or Fire Safe Council for site-specific rules.
Free Fire-Wise Gardening Resources
Download these free guides for fire-safe landscaping in Santa Cruz County:
Fire-Wise Gardening Guide — Complete guide to creating defensible space while growing food. Covers Zone 0, 1, and 2 requirements, fire-resistant food plants, garden design principles, maintenance tasks, and sample layouts for Santa Cruz County properties.
Water-Wise Gardening Guide — Many fire-resistant plants are also drought-tolerant. Learn water-saving strategies that complement fire-wise landscaping, including drip irrigation, mulching, and plant selection for Santa Cruz's dry summers.
Know Your Microclimate Worksheet — Understanding your specific growing conditions helps you choose fire-resistant plants that will actually thrive in your garden's sun exposure, soil type, and moisture levels.
