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Diablo Firesafe Council

The following list of contains those found in the references that were recommended for use in fire prone environments by at least 3 references. All of the plants listed here were given either a high or moderate fire resistance rating in the references where a rating was assigned, or found listed in the references that categorized plants as fire resistant without assigning a degree of resistance. In most cases, the terms used in the ranking were not defined, and if they were, there is no agreed upon standard definition. For this reason, the plants are listed in this chapter without any attempt to rank them.

The list is sorted by form -- , shrubs, , etc. Some may appear twice (e.g. once as a and then again as a shrub) because they have properties attributed to both forms. For a complete description of the plant, including its mature characteristics, climate zones, and information on erosion control and drought tolerance, please refer to Chapter 4, the landscape vegetation database.

It is important to note that a plant's fire performance can be seriously compromised if not maintained. Plants that are not properly irrigated or pruned, or that are planted in climate areas not generally recommended for the plant, will have increased fire risk and will likely make the mature plant undesirable for landscaping in high fire hazard zones.

Table 1. Plants with a favorable fire performance rating in 3 or more references. Some plants may have invasive (indicated as ), or other negative characteristics that should be considered before being selected for use in parts of California. For more information please go to http://www.caleppc.org/ .

Scientific Common Plant Plant References at bottom Name Name Type Form Achillea White yarrow perennial shrub 25, 40,41, 53 millefolium white Achillea tomentosa Woolly yarrow perennial groundcover 7,11,12,13,23,25,26,28, var. Moonshine 32,35,36,37,39 Aeonium decorum Aeonium succulent shrub 7,10,38,53 Aeonium simsii Aeonium succulent shrub 7,10,53 California 11,15,17 californica buckeye Agapanthus 'Peter Lily of the Nile, evergreenshrub 9,10,25 Pan' dwarf Agave americana Century plant succulent shrub 9,25,37 'Alba Picata' Agave victoriae- Agave succulent shrub 7,10,53 reginae 7,9,10,11,17,23,28,35, Ajuga reptans Carpet bugle perennial groundcover 36,40,41,53 Alnus rhombifolia White deciduous tree 9,11,17,25,53 arborescens Torch aloe succulent shrub 9,25,53 Aloe aristata Aloe, Dwarf aloe succulent shrub 7,10,40,41,53 Aloe brevifolia Aloe succulent shrub 7,10,40,41,53 Arbutus menziesii Madrone evergreentree 11,15,17 Strawberry tree evergreentree 8,9,11,12,17,25,30,40,41,42,53

Arctotheca 7,8,9,10,11,12,18,20,21,23,24,25,26, Silver spreader evergreengroundcover 28,30,31,34,35,36,37,38,40,41,42,53 calendula Thrift, Common Armeria maritima evergreengroundcover 9,10,11,12,15,25,40,41 thrift Silver spreader evergreenshrub 9,10,12,23,28,30,35,36,37,38,42,53 caucasica Artemisia Sandhill sage evergreenshrub 6,11,16,25 pycnocephala Asarum caudatum Wild ginger perennial shrub 11,15,40,41 Four-wing canescens evergreenshrub 5,6,16 saltbush Saltbush deciduous shrub 5,11,19 breweri

Atriplex 7,10,11,13,21,23,24,27,28,35,36,37, Saltbush evergreenshrub 40,41,42 semibaccata Weeping evergreentree 26,30,37 viminalis bottlebrush Trumpet , Campsis radicans deciduous vine 12,26,30,32,37 Trumpet creeper Carpobrotus Ice plant, Hottentot fig, succulent groundcover 7,9,10,11,23,24,28,31,35,36,37,53 edulis Sea fig Blueblossom evergreenshrub 11,14,15 thyrsiflorus Red valerian, evergreenshrub 8,11,25,40,41 Jupiter's beard Cerastium Snow in summerevergreengroundcover 7,10,17,24,30,37,39,40,41,53 tomentosum Carob, St. Ceratonia siliqua evergreentree 5,8,9,11,13,22,34,37,42 John's beard occidentalis Western redbud evergreentree 8,9,11,12,15,17,25,30,34,40,41,42,53 Orchid rockrose, purpureus evergreenshrub 25,30,53 Purple rockrose Cistus villosus Purple rockrose, prostratus Prostrate evergreengroundcover 9,19,22,37 (C.salviifolius) rockrose spp. Citrus evergreentree 8,12,30,34,40,41 Bush morning evergreenshrub 8,9,11,12,30,32,39,40,41,42,53 cneorum glory Creeping evergreengroundcover 8,11,12,18,30,40,41,53 Coprosma kirkii coprosma Likiano evergreenshrub 40,41,53 congestus Cotoneaster Bearberry evergreengroundcover 9,25,40,41 dammerii cotoneaster Crassula argentea Jade plant succulent groundcover 9,25,33 Crassula lactea Crassula succulent groundcover 7,9,10,25,36,53 Crassula Crassula succulent groundcover 7,9,10,25,36,38 multiclava Crassula tetragona Crassula succulent groundcover 7,10,36,53 White trailing ice Delosperma alba succulent groundcover 7,9,10,11,18,22,23,24,26,28,35,36, plant 37,39,,40,41,42,53 Wild yellow iris, Dietes bicolor evergreenshrub 9,25,40,41 African iris Dietes vegeta Fortnight lily evergreenshrub 9,11,12,25,40,41 Diplacus longifolius Monkey perennial shrub 11,15,17,25,40,41,42,53 (Mimulus sp.) Drosanthemum Ice plant, Rosea perennial groundcover 8,9,10,11,23,25,26,31,35,36,40,41, floribundum rosea ice plant 42,53 Drosanthemum Rosea ice plant perennial groundcover 7,9,10,18,23,24,25,28,36,39,40,41,53 hispidum Drosanthemum Drosanthemum, perennial groundcover 7,38,53 speciosum Dew flower Duchesnea indica Mock strawberry perennial groundcover 8,9,11,12,25,40,41 Dymondia Dymondia evergreengroundcover 8,9,25 margaretae Erigeron Santa Barbara perennial groundcover 9,12,17,25,40,41 karvinskianus daisy, Fleabane Yerba santa, Eriodictyon Hairy yerba shrub 5,13,19 trichlocalyx santa Eriophyllum Golden yarrow perennial shrub 40,41,53 confertiflorum Eschscholzia California poppy perennial groundcover 8,9,11,12,25,42,53 californica Winter creeper, Eunymous fortunei Common winter evergreenshrub 7,10,30,41 radicans creeper Pineapple guava evergreentree 89,11,12,17,25,30,40, 41,42,53 Creeping red Festuca rubra perennial groundcover 8,9,11,12,15,25,40,41 fescue Wild strawberry, Sand Fragaria chiloensis evergreengroundcover 7,8,9,10,11,23,25,28,35,36,39,40, strawberry, 41,53 ornamental spp. Ash deciduous tree 18,34,40,41 Fremontia, evergreenshrub 11,15,17 spp. Flannel bush Showy Island snapdragon, Galvezia speciosa evergreenshrub 8,11,12,15,25,30,53 Hummingbird flower Gazania ringens Trailing 7,10,11,12,23,24,25,27,28,35,36,37, leucolaena (G. perennial groundcover ganzania 38,39,40,41,42,53 uniflora) Gazania uniflora Trailing (G.ringens perennial groundcover 7,10,11,12,23,24,25,27,28,35,36,37, ganzania 38,39,40,41,42,53 leucolaena) Gum Grindelia stricta plant,Coastal perennial groundcover 40,41,53 wild gum Grindelia stricta Coastal wild perennial shrub 25,40,41 venulosa gum Licorice plant, perennial shrub 8,11,17,25,40,41 petiolatum Curry plant deciduous Hemerocallis spp. Daylily or shrub 8,9,11,12,14,25,40,41 Hesperaloe Red evergreenshrub 9,25,40,41 parviflora Island alum Heuchera maxima perennial groundcover 8,12,15,25,40,41 , Coral bells Evergreen Iberis candytuft, evergreengroundcover 40,41,53 sempervirens Edging candytuft Pacific coast iris, Iris douglasiana shrub 11,15,17,40,41 Douglas iris Bladderpod, Isomeris arborea Bladderbush, evergreenshrub 6,16,53 ( isomeris) Burrofat Kniphofia uvaria Red hot poker perennial shrub 8,9,11,12,17,25,40,41 Trailing ice Lampranthus plant, bush succulent groundcover 7,9,10,22,25,39,53 aurantiacus gold, bush ice plant Lampranthus Redondo succulent groundcover 7,10,22,53 filicaulis creeper Lampranthus Trailing ice plant succulent groundcover 7 ,9,10,11,22,24,25,38,42,53 spectabilis camara & Trailing lantana, evergreen groundcover 9,23,28,35,36,53 Yellow sage or annual Ligustrum Texas evergreenshrub 11,30,40,41 texanum Statice, Marsh perezii , Sea perennial shrub 8,9,11,12,14,25,30,40,41,53 lavender Carpet grass, canescens perennial groundcover 7,41,42 Lippia Liriope gigantea Giant turf lily perennial groundcover 8,25,40,41 Lonicera japonica Hall's evergreengroundcover 7,10,53 'Halliana' Macadamia Macadamia nut, evergreentree 9,11,25,40,41 hybrids Queensland nut Creeping repens evergreenshrub 8,11,40,41 mahonia Ice plant, Malephora 7,8,9,10,11,22,23,24,26,28,31,35, Croceum ice succulent groundcover 36,40,41,42,53 crocea plant Yellow trailing Malephora luteola succulent groundcover 7,10,22,24,40,41,53 ice plant New Zealand Christmas evergreentree 11,12,18,30,40,41,42,53 excelsus tree,Pohutukawa Mimulus longiflorus Monkey flower perennial shrub 11,17,15,25,40,41,42,53 (Diplacus longiflorus) Myoporum Creeping parvifolium 8, 9,10,11,12,21,23,24,25,28,35,36, boobyalla, evergreengroundcover 38,39,40,41,42,53 prostrata Myoporum Wax myrtle, Pacific wax californica myrtle, evergreenshrub 11,15,17 California wax myrtle Nerine Nerine bulb shrub 8,9,11,25 masonorum

Nerium 5,12,13,17,11,26,27,30,32,33,42, Oleander evergreenshrub 40,41 oleander Oenothera Mexican evening perennial groundcover 8,11,25,40,41 berlandieri primrose Trailing South Osteospermum 1,5,6,7,9,10,11,13,16,22,23,24,28,30, African daisy, perennial groundcover 34,36,38,39,40,41,42 fruticosum Freeway daisy 7,9,10,11,12,23,24,25,28,36,38,40, Ivy geranium perennial groundcover peltatum 41,53 Phyla nodiflora Lippia perennial groundcover 8,9,10,11,12,23,28,35,36,40,21,41 Lippia Dwarf karo evergreenshrub 25,40,41 crassifolium Mock orange, Wheeler's mock evergreenshrub 11,12,25,40,41 orange Aspen, Populus spp. Cottonwood, deciduous tree 11,15,18 Poplar Populus Quaking aspen deciduous tree 9,11,15 tremuloides Purslane tree, Portulacaria afra succulent groundcover 7,9,10,24,40,41,53 Elephant's food tabernaemontanii Spring cinquefoil evergreengroundcover 7,10,37,40,41,53 (P.verna) -leaved ilicifolia evergreenshrub 8,11,12,15,26,30 cherry Prunus lyonii Catalina cherry evergreenshrub 5,8,9,11,12,13,25,37,40,41,53 Plum, Peach, Cherry, Apricot, Prunus spp. evergreentree 11,15,42 Evergreen cherry granatum deciduous shrub 11,30,40,41,42,53 Punica granatum Dwarf deciduous shrub 9,8,11,12,25 'Nana' pomegranate 'Santa Pyracantha, evergreenshrub 8,11,12,25,40,41 Cruz' Firethorn Encina, Coast live , evergreentree 8,9,11,15,17,25,30,31,33,53 California live oak Italian evergreenshrub 5,9,11,12,13,22,30,32,40,41,42,53 alaternus buckthorn Rhamnus Coffeeberry evergreenshrub 9,11,12,15,17,25,26,30,53 californica Spiny redberry, Redberry, Hollyleaf Rhamnus crocea evergreenshrub 11,25,53 redberry, Red- berried buckthorn Rhododrendron Western evergreenshrub 17,40,41 occidentale Lemonade evergreenshrub 8,9,12,13,14,15,22,26,37,40,41,53 Rhus lancea African evergreentree 8,11,12,26,37,40,41 Evergreen currant, Catalina evergreenshrub 8,9,11,15,17,25,30,53 viburnifolium perfume Sonoma sage, sonomensis perennial shrub 7,9,10,11,15,16,21,25,27,38,40,41, Creeping sage 42,53 7,9,10,17,23,24,25,32,36,37,40,41, Santolina, evergreenshrub 42,53 chamaecyparissus Lavender, Gray lavender 'Muave Fan flower perennial groundcover 8,9,11,12,25 Clusters' Peruvian pepper molle tree, California evergreentree 5,9,11,13,17,22,25,30,37,40,41,53 pepper tree Schinus Brazilian pepper evergreentree 5,9,11,12,22,40,41,42,53 terebinthifolius tree Goldmoss acre succulent creeper 7,10,53 sedum Sedum album Green stonecrop succulent creeper 7,10,53 Sedum brevifolium Stonecrop succulent groundcover 7,9,24,25 Stonecrop, Sedum confusum succulent groundcover 7,10,24,40,41,53 Sedum Sedum Brown bean, rubrotinctum (S. succulent groundcover 7,10,24,38,40,41,53 Pork and beans guatemalense) Sedum Stonecrop succulent groundcover 11,15,25 spathulifolium Blue ice plant succulent shrub 9,10,25 mandraliscae Senecio, Dusty Senecio serpens miller, Blue- succulent shrub 7,24,40,41,53 (Kleinia repens) chalksticks Simmondsia Pignut, , evergreenshrub 9,11,15,40,41,42,53 chinensis Goatnut Yellow-eyed Sisyrinchium grass, Blue-eyed perennial grass 11,15,40,41,53 bellum grass Sisyrinchium Yellow-eyed perennial grass 15,25,41 californicum grass evergreen Potato vine or vine 8,9,12,17,26,30,37,40,41 jasminoides deciduous Purple evergreenshrub 17,40,41 nightshade Strelitzia reginae Bird of paradise perennial shrub 27,40,41 Waxberry, Creeping deciduous groundcover 11,15,40,41 mollis snowberry, Trip vine Tecomaria Cape evergreenvine 8,11,26,37,40,41,42,53 capensis honeysuckle Mother of Thymus praecox , Creeping perennial shrub 9,10,23,36,40,41 articus thyme Thymus Woolly thyme, perennial groundcover 7,10,23,28,35,36 pseudolanuginosusThyme (T.lanuginosus) Trachelospermum Star evergreengroundcover 9,11,12,17,25,40,41,53 jasminoides Trichostema Woolly blue perennial shrub 8,11,12,15,25,26,42,53 lanatum curls, Romero Trifolium O'Connor's perennial groundcover 40,41,53 fragiferum legume Tulbaghia violacea Society garlic perennial shrub 8,9,25,40,41 7,9,10,11,20,23,24,30,34,36,38, major Periwinkle perennial groundcover 39,53 Dwarf periwinkle Vinca minor myrtle, Dwarf perennial groundcover 7,10,11,23,24,28,30,36,38,39,53 running myrtle California Zauschneria fuschia, perennial shrub 9,11,17,40,41,53 californica Hummingbird flower

Plants with an Unfavorable Fire Performance Rating

The following list of plants contains those found in the references that are definitely not recommended for use in fire prone environments by at least 3 references. All of the plants listed here were given either a low fire resistance rating in the references where a rating was assigned, or found listed in the references that categorized plants as being fire prone, without assigning any relative degree of resistance.

The list is sorted by plant form -- groundcovers, shrubs, trees, etc. Some species may appear twice (e.g. once as a groundcover and then again as a shrub). For a complete description of the plant, including its mature characteristics, climate zones, and information on erosion control, drought tolerance and cold tolerance, please refer to the landscape vegetation database.

Characteristics of plants not recommended for fire prone areas.

The plants in this group have some commonly shared characteristics. Most of these plants are characterized by:

 a high surface area to volume ratio.  a low moisture content.  a high percentage of dead matter or debris.

Plants that possess all of these characteristics are likely to have an unfavorable fire performance rating. Comparison of the general characteristics of a plant not included in this list with those listed above could result in a decent estimate of the plant's fire performance.

It is possible that a plant listed as fire resistant, but allowed to grow unchecked and poorly maintained could possess the characteristics listed above and therefore be a liability. Proper maintenance of landscaping is crucial and cannot be overlooked. Conversely, it is also possible that a plant with an unfavorable rating could perform well with special irrigation and maintenance regimes. However this approach is not advisable since long term irrigation and maintenance cannot be guaranteed.

Table 2. Plants with an unfavorable fire performance rating in 3 or more references.

Scientific Common Plant Plant Reference # Name Name Type Form Abies spp. Fir evergreen tree 4,8,40,41 Adenostoma Greasewood evergreen shrub 3,4,8,9,30,40,41,42 fasciculatum chamise Adenostoma Red shanks evergreen shrub 8,9,30,42 sparsifolium Coprosma Prostrate evergreen groundcover 9,25,53 pumila coprosma Cortaderia Pampas evergreen grass 4,8,9,40 selloana grass Eriogonum California perennial shrub 4,40,41,42 fasciculatum buckwheat Eucalyptus Eucalyptus evergreen tree 4,9,8 globulus globulus, Blue gum Larix spp. Larch deciduous tree 8,40,41 Lonicera Japanese evergreen vine 8,40,41 japonica honeysuckle Palms Palm evergreen tree 8,40,41 Picea spp. Spruce evergreen tree 4,8,40,41 Pickeringia Chaparral evergreen shrub 8,40,41 montana pea Pseudotsuga Douglas-fir evergreen tree 4,40,41 menziesii Spanish evergreen shrub 4,40,41 junceum broom spp. Yew evergreen tree 4,40,41 spp. Arborvitae evergreen tree 4,8,40,41 Tsuga spp. Hemlock evergreen tree 8,40,41

List of References for Plant Fire Performance Ratings:

Ref Reference Author Title Year Publisher # Summary 1 California Fire Safe: Inside Date California Defines fire retardant Department and Out Unk. Department of plants as those easily of Forestry Publication maintained and pruned, drought tolerant in some cases, can be grown without accumulating dead , needles or , have a low or resin content, and grow close to the ground. 2 Gaidula, Peter Wildland Fuel 1976 California This reference does Management Department of Parks not offer a definition Guidelines for and Recreation of fire retardance the CA State with respect to Park System plants, however it offers suggestions of certain plant characteristics to keep in mind when clearing brush to reduce fire hazard: plant vigor, poisonous plants, effects of plants on soils, value for wildlife food and cover, aesthetic values, and relative flammability. 3 Tarbes, J.A. Physical 1980 San Francisco State Defines fire Characteristics University, CA performance of Chamise in characteristics of Relation to chamise species Flammability only. and Combustibility 4 Sunset Big Job #1: 1992 Lane Magazine and Defines highly Landscape to Book Company, flammable plants as Fight the Fire June those that are accumulators of fuel, not maintained or pruned periodically, and contain high oil, high resin or low moisture in leaves and branches. 5 Sunset Brush Clearing 1968 Lane Magazine and Describes fire for Fire Safety Book Company, retardant plants as October those that are low- growing shrubs, non- native brush, and well maintained and watered brush. 6 California Landscape for 1989 CSFM Journal, No. Defines flammable State Fire Home Fire 2, March/April vegetation as plants Marshal Safety containing volatile Journal resins, oils, gums and terpenes, and plants that have accumulations of dead twigs and branches on mature live plants. This reference also defines fire retardant plants as those with a high moisture content, high in ash, well irrigated, free of dead matter, and low volume shrubs. 7 City of Los Green Belts for Date City of Los Angeles, The term fire Angeles, Brush Fire Unk. Dept. of Arboreta & retardant is used to Department Protection and Botanic , describe plants of Arboreta & Soil Erosion Arcadia, CA inherently less Botanic Control in flammable than Gardens Hillside others. Rates plants Residential as HIGH(greatest fire Areas retardance) low- growing succulent plants with thick, fleshy leaves and/or stems. MODERATE(moderate fire retardance) low- growing herbaceous perennials and sub- shrubs not distinctly succulent. LOW(low fire retardance) low- growing shrubs and sub-shrubs with rather dry, leathery or rigid leaves and branches. 8 East Bay Firescape: 1995 Community Services Defines flammable or Municipal Landscaping to Department and hazardous vegetation Utility District Reduce Fire EBMUD Board of as any vegetation, Water Hazard Directors including Conservation ornamental, that Division either by it's intrinsic characteristics, placement, or lack of care is easy to ignite, spreads fire rapidly, produces high heat, or creates fires that are difficult to suppress. Defines a fire resistant plant as less likely to burn, grows close to the ground and takes longer to ignite. 9 Brende and List of More and Date Brende and Shapiro This reference Shapiro Tree Less Fire Prone Unk. Tree and Shrub suggests that any And Shrub Plants Care, Berkeley, CA plant can be fire- Care prone if not properly maintained. Arrangement, spacing, density and dryness of the vegetation is probably more crucial than what species are planted. 10 Gilmer, California 1994 Taylor Publishing Plants are grouped Maureen Wildfire Company, Dallas, as the most fire Landscaping TX retardant if they retain high levels of moisture in their leaves and stems; these plants are mostly succulents and have low-growth habits. Moderate fire retardance is given to plants that are non-succulent with leaves that retain a high moisture content. Plants with low fire retardance are those with leathery and dry leaves. 11 California Fire-Safe Date Santa Clara Ranger A list of plants is Department Demonstration Unk. Unit offered without of Forestry definition of fire and Fire retardance. Protection 12 Berkeley Fire Resistant 1991 Berkeley Defines fire resistant Plants Horticulture as being able to Nursery Nursery, Berkeley, withstand high CA temperatures for prolonged periods without igniting and does not readily support open flames. 13 Maire, Richard Landscape to 1962 University of Fire retardance is not G. Prevent Fire California defined in this Agricultural publication. Extension Service 14 Northeast Final Habitat 1990 Northeast Ridge, This reference states Ridge, Fire Buffer Brisbane, CA, that all plants will Southwest Program Southwest burn under the worst Diversified Diversified, INC. conditions, but some are more suitable for fire-prone areas because of one or more of the following characteristics: high mineral content, high moisture content, low volume of fuel. 15 D'Alcamo, Appropriate Date East Bay Chapter, Supplies a list of Susan; Rice, Landscaping Unk. California Native California native Carol L. Plants to Plant Society, plants to be used to Reduce Fire Berkeley, CA establish a more fire Hazard retardant environment because of one or more of the following characteristics: high mineral content, low fuel volume, high moisture content. 16 Red Shingle & The Green 1988 Red Cedar Shingle & This references bases Handsplit Fireman Plan Handsplit Shake its recommendations Shake Bureau Bureau, Bellevue, of fire retardance on WA the following: plants with a high moisture content, low volume shrubs, and (up to a point) plants with a high ash content. 17 Phoenix Team After the Vision 1996 Phoenix Team of the This reference of the Fire Environmental provides a list of Environmental Action Committee of suggested fire Action West Marin retardant plants; fire Committee of retardant is not West Marin defined. 18 Morris, Design and Date Country Fire This reference Wendy; Siting Unk. Authority, Victoria suggests that the Barbar, J.R. Guidelines: degree of fire Bush Fire retardance of a tree Protection for or shrub depends on Rural Houses the amount of moisture in the leaves, the amount of oil or resin in the leaves, and/or the amount of dead matter that remains on the tree. Trees and shrubs were rated as follows: HIGH - most suitable; MODERATE - suitable. Groundcovers were rated as follows: HIGH - very succulent, MODERATE - semi- succulent. 19 Brush Fire Make it Safe to Date Brush Fire Safety This reference Safety Live in the Hills: Unk. Committte, Los explains that some Committee Fire Resistant Angeles, CA plants are relatively Plants non-flammable because they are able to withstand high temperatures for prolonged periods without igniting and do not readily support open flames. 20 Radtke, Klaus A Homeowner's 1993 County of Los Fire retardance was W.H. Guide to Fire Angeles, CA rated as follows: and Watershed HIGH - very highly Management at fire retardant. the MODERATE - medium Chaparral/Urban fire retardance. LOW Interface - low very retardance. 21 Radtke, Klaus Living More Date U.S. Dept. of Fire retardance was W.H. Safely in the Unk. Agriculture, Pacific rated as follows: Chaparral/Urban Southwest HIGH - very highly Interface and Range fire retardant. Experimant Station, MODERATE - medium Gen.Technical fire retardance. LOW Report PSW-67 - low very retardance. 22 Maire, Richard Landscape for 1969 University of Refers to Los Angeles G.; Goodin, Fire Protection California Arboretum research. J.R. Agricultural Makes clear the point Extension Service that the term "fire resistant" is used, but that there is not a plant that exists that will not burn given the right conditions. Also suggests that well- maintained and well- watered plants will not burn as readily as those left dry and unmaintained. 23 Grounds Flirting With Fire 1988 Grounds Erosion control was Maintenance Maintenance, rated as : LOW - August 30% or less. 23(8):32,36,38,104. MODERATE - 60%. HIGH - 60% or steeper. 24 County of Los Fire Retardant 1970 County of Los Bases fire retardance Angeles Plants for Angeles Arboreta on relatively high Arboreta & Hillside Areas and Botanical moisture content and Botanical Gardens, Los prostrate or creeping Gardens Angeles, CA growth characteristics. Rated as follows: HIGH - succulents (90-95% moisture content). MODERATE - non- succulents(80-95% MC) or 70-80% MC. LOW - 60-75% MC. 25 Santa Barbara Firescape Date Santa Barbara City This reference offers City Fire Demonstration Unknown Fire Department, only a list of Department Garden Santa Barbara, CA. suggested fire retardant plants, no criteria are given. 26 Coate, Barrie Water- 1990 East Bay Municipal Only offers a list of Conserving Utility District plants considered to Plants and be more fire Landscapes for retardant than most the Bay Area plants. No criteria offered. 27 Rice, Carol Effects of 1991 Wildland Resource Lists species with the Drought on Management, highest moisture Landscaping in Walnut Creek, CA content and the Paint Fire therefore probably the most fire retardant. Also lists the driest plants -- these were classified as not being recommended for fire prone areas. 28 City of San Fire Resistive 1996 The City of San Gives a list of Carlos Plants Carlos, CA herbaceous perennials, succulents, trees and groundcovers considered to be fire retardant. No definition offered. 29 Beatty, Designing 1991 Department of Rates plants fire Russell Gardens for Fire Landscape retardance based on Safety Architecture, the following: Broad- University of leafed plants tend to California, Berkeley be more fire retardant than those with needle-like or very fine leaves; dense compact forms and low prostrate plants are more effective at retarding fire than more open or upright plants. 30 Harlass, How to 1993 Nursery Manager, Defines a fire Sherry Firescape to December retardant plant as Reduce the Fire one that burns Hazard slowly. 31 Orinda Fire Protect Your Date Orinda Fire Offers a few fire Protection Home: Unk. Protection District retardant landscape District Landsape For plants with no Fire Protection criteria for classifying them as such. 32 California Fire Safe, Date California Classifies fire Department California! Unk. Department of retardant plants as of Forestry Forestry and Fire those that are hardy Protection, succulents and flat Sacramento, CA ground covering plants that are kept groomed and free of dry leaves. 33 City of Santa City of Santa Date City of Santa Defines fire resistant Barbara Fire Barbara Unk. Barbara Fire plants as those Department Firescapes Department, Santa plants that can Demonstration Barbara, CA regenerate growth, Garden despite burning and fire retardant plants as those which are less flammable than others. 34 Bowker, Mike High Danger 1995 Motorland/CSAA, Considers that fire this Year: July/August retardant plants Preventing the share the following Firestorm characteristics: grow close to the ground, have a low sap or resin content, grow without accumulating dead matter, are easily maintained and pruned, and are often drought tolerant. 35 South County Protecting Your Date South County Fire Offers only a list of Fire Home From a Unk. plants, without Brush Fire explanation or definition. 36 Sunset Protecting Your 1983 Lane Publishing Lists succulents as Home Against Company having the greatest Brushfire fire retardance. Herbaceous perennials if well- watered and woody groundcovers if well- watered are also highly recommended. 37 Department Plants for 1979 State of California, Offers a list of of Water California The Resources recommended plants Resources, Landscapes: A Agency, Department without explanation The Catalog of of Water Resources, or definition. Resources Drought Bulletin 209, Agency Tolerant Plants September 38 LeMay, David Recommended 1978 San Luis Obispo, Rates species of B; Wayne G. Low-Fuel CA: Central Coast plants as either Mitchell Volume Species Fire Prevention having for San Luis Association HIGH/MODERATE or Obispo County LOW fire retardance; no explanation or definition of terms. 39 Martin- A Homeowner's Date San Luis Obispo, Lists fire retardant Richardson, Guide to Fire Unk. CA: CA Dept. of plants for the San Brenda; San Resistant Plants Forestry & Fire Luis Obispo area; no Luis Obispo for the San Luis Protection and The criteria offered. County Fire Obispo Area San Luis Obispo Department County Fire Dept. 40 Moritz, Ray; Pyrophytic vs. 1996 University of Defines fire resistant Pavel Svihra Fire Resistant California as: most broad Plants Cooperative deciduous trees; Extension HortScript leaves tend to be February No. 18 supple, moist and easily crushed; trees tend to be clean, not bushy, and have little deadwood; shrubs are low-growing (<2') with minimal dead material; tall shrubs are clean, not bushy; sap is water- like and typically does not have a strong odor; and plants that will not sustain a flame when ignition is attempted. 41 Moritz, Ray Pyrophytic vs. 1995 San Rafael Fire Defines fire resistant Fire Resistant Department, as: most broad leaf Plants FireSafe Marin. May deciduous trees; leaves tend to be supple, moist and easily crushed; trees tend to be clean, not bushy, and have little deadwood; shrubs are low-growing (<2') with minimal dead material; tall shrubs are clean, not bushy; sap is water- like and typically does not have a strong odor; and plants that will not sustain a flame when ignition is attempted. 42 Perry, Bob Trees and 1989 Land Design Fire retardance was Shrubs for Dry Publishing, rated as follows: California Claremont, CA LOW - high fire Landscapes hazard species and undesirable domestic plant. MODERATE - acceptable domestic plant that requires ample amounts of water for best performance and valuable watershed species that should be thinned to reduce foliage mass, and be retained in limited numbers to prevent high intensity fires. HIGH - low-growing and high fire retarding plants and low fuel volume native and introduced species. 43 Ellefson, Xeriscape 1992 Macmillian Offers plant lists only Connie Publishing with no definition of Lockhart; Company, New York drought or drought Thomas L. tolerance. Stephens; Doug Welsh, Ph.D. 44 Brenzel, Sunset Western 1995 Menlo Park, CA: This reference was Kathleen Garden Book Sunset Publishing used to gather Norris (editor) Corporation, March mature plant characterisitics and information on drought tolerance, climate zones and erosion control. Drought tolerance is defined as requiring little or no dry season water. Climate zones are defined for the western states, each species is listed with a list of zones that it will tolerate. The zone map for this publication was generated from Sunset Western Garden Book's climate zone information. Note is made if a plant is considered to be useful in erosion control, but further explanation is not offered. 45 U.S. Dept. of Plant Materials 1976 U.S Dept. of Offers information on Agriculture, Study Agriculture, Soil plants suitable for erosion control. Conservation Service, Davis, CA Service, Davis, CA 46 Deering, A Study of 1955 Davis, CA: Offers plant lists only Robert Drought University of with no definition of Bowman Resistant California, Davis drought or drought Ornamental tolerance. Plants 47 International Proceedings of 1977 Seattle, WA: The Offers species Erosion International Association. Feb 24- recommended for Control Erosion Control 25, 1977, Airport erosion control Association Association, 8th Marina Hotel, without providing a Conference Burlingame, CA. rating or a definition. 48 Edmuson, Plant Materials 1976 U.S Dept. of Offers plant lists only George C. Study: A Search Agriculture, Soil with no definition of for Drought- Conservation drought or drought Tolerant Plant Service, Davis, CA tolerance. Materials for Erosion Control, Revegetation and Landscaping along California Highways: Final Report 49 Resource Windbreaks 1988 Sacramento, CA: Offers plant lists only Management Demonstration The Office of Land with no definition of International, Project: Final Conservation, drought or drought Inc. Report California tolerance. Department of Conservation 50 Lenz, Lee W.; California Native 1981 Rancho Santa Ana Offers plant lists only Dourley, John Trees And Botanic Garden, with no definition of Shrubs Claremont, CA drought or drought tolerance. 51 Nehrling, Easy Gardening 1975 New York: Dover Defines drought as Arno; Irene with Drought- Publications, Inc. less than 1" of Nehrling Resistant Plants rainfall/week or Roses LTD those recommended for "hot, dry areas where they will not get any watering." 53 Orange Report of the 1994 Developed by the Defines plants that County Fire Wildland/Urban Orange County are not suitable for Department Interface Task Wildland/Urban fire prone areas as Force Interface Task Force possessing some or Subcommittee on all of the following Fuel Modification. characteristics: are July Attachment C known to be especially combustible; have dry or deciduous foliage during part of the year; develop deciduous or shaggy ; develop dry or dead undergrowth. 54 Perry, Bob Landscape 1992 Claremont, CA : Categorizes Plants for Land Design landscape plants Western Publishing based on the water Regions: An needs. Also provides Illustrated information on the Guide to Plants mature for Water characteristics of Conservation plants. 55 Hickman, The Jepson 1993 University of Provides information James C. Manual: Higher California Press, on plant classification (editor) Plants of Berkeley and Los and mature plant California Angeles, CA characteristics. 56 The Staff of Hortus Third: A 1976 New York, NY: Provides detailed the Liberty Concise MacMillan Publishing information on Hyde Bailey Dictionary of Company, Inc. mature plant Hortorium, Plants characteristics. Cornell Cultivated in the University United States and Canada 57 Costello, L.R.; Water Use 1994 Half Moon Bay, CA: Provides K.A. Jones Classification of University of recommended Landscape California watering for over Species: A Cooperative 1200 landscapes Guide to the Extension, San plants based on 6 Water Needs of Mateo/San Francisco climate regions of Landscape Counties California. Plants