Native plants in a fire-smart landscape
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Barbara Robertson
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Among the 32 varieties of stonecrop native to California is Sedum spathulifolium. The perennial succulent grows to 6" tall by 2' wide. B. Robertson
Of particular interest to gardeners is a requirement in the code that the board and State Fire Marshall develop a guidance document that “shall include, but not be limited to, regionally appropriate vegetation management suggestions that preserve and restore native species that are fire resistant or drought tolerant, or both, minimize erosion, minimize water consumption, and permit trees near homes for shade aesthetics, and habitat….”
This beautiful fire-smart garden in Novato has hardscape and appropriately spaced native plants growing up the hillside. Photo: Barbara Robertson“We don’t rely on plant species for fire resistance,” Swain says. “Instead, we rely on maintenance and landscape design; on watering and pruning. We choose natives because they have the least environmental impact. If you’re living near a wildland urban interface, why not support the wildland?”
When you think about which native plants to place where, the Master Gardeners’ basic suggestions for fire-smart garden design with any plants apply: Create horizontal and vertical spacing to minimize flames spreading from one plant to another. Know that flames can rise three times the height of a plant. Separate plantings with hardscape. Remove dead and dry branches and plant debris. And close to the house, eliminate things that embers might land on and easily catch fire.
PRC 4291 guidelines for the ember-resistant, zero to five-foot area aren’t released yet, but well-kept, low-growing, herbaceous (non-woody) plants separated by pebbles or rocks, and low-growing potted plants in non-combustible pots might be allowed depending on where you live and your type of house. In terms of natives, such succulents as Dudleya, Stonecrop, and Lewisia might work – plants that stay green through the summer with little water. Or, short annuals and bulbs that you can cut back before fire season.
Know, though, that the final guidelines for the state code will be a baseline. Counties, cities, and local fire agencies could have stricter defensible space rules – your local fire agency will be your authority.
The evergreen native Ceanothus is available in many varieties. Ceanothus Blue Jeans, can quickly grow to 3' tall by 6' feet wide. Photo: Bob MauceliThese are but a few of the numerous California native plants that require less water than many exotic species. Plants such as these can be a valuable benefit when you want to use minimal water to have well-hydrated vegetation in your landscape during fire season, especially in drought years when water is scarce. So, in addition to supporting native wildlife, insects, butterflies, and other pollinators, native plants can be an excellent choice for a fire-smart landscape.
Found throughout California, the spring blooming annual Baby Blue Eyes Nemophila menziesii stays under a foot tall & wide in many habitats. Bob Maucel