FireSmart BC Landscaping Hub

Find fire-resistant plants for your climate

How to use this tool

  • 1) Identify your Canadian hardiness zone: Locate your property by typing your address into the map below.
  • 2) Select your Canadian hardiness zone: Then select the appropriate hardiness zone from the dropdown list below to filter plants that grow best in your area. Remember that the plant chart has approximated plants that grow in that zone based off of the USDA system.

A note about the plants listed below: The fire-resistant plants listed in our tool are based on research done to date, so the list is not exhaustive. With further research, additional plants may be added or removed. Also, not all plants on the chart are equally FireSmart. Some will ignite earlier than others. In addition, keep in mind that some areas of the province are drier than others; more caution is needed in those regions. Furthermore, some areas have specific microclimates that may not be perfectly represented in our map below. Make sure you are aware of which ignition zone you are planting in. Always check with your local garden centre to verify your hardiness zone, or if you have any questions.

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Select your zone

Select a zone above to get started.
Don’t forget: the plants listed below have been approximated from the USDA hardiness system to correspond with the zones from the Canadian Hardiness Zone map. We’ve listed their original USDA hardiness zones should you want to verify the conversion with your local garden center.

Trees

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There are no results for trees in this zone

Common Name Scientific Name Approximate CAD Hardiness Zone(s) USDA Hardiness Zone(s) Sun / Shade Approx. Mature Height Water Use Category Attracts Pollinators Leaf Types:
Deciduous (D),
Coniferous (C),
Broadleaf Evergreen (B)
Alders – Mountain Alder Ribes alpinum 6 5 fs 6 – 7.5m Low No D
Alders – Red Alder Alnus rubra 6 5 fs-psh 13 – 15 m Medium No D
Amur Cherry Prunus maackia 3 2 fs-psh 10.5 – 13.5 m Medium Yes D
Amur Corktree Phellodendron amurense 4 3 fs 9 – 14 m High No D
Amur Maackia Maackia amurensis 4 3 fs 6- 9m Medium No D
Ash – Green Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica 4 3 fs 12 – 18 m Low, Medium, High No D
Ash – White Ash Fraxinus americana 4 3 fs 12 – 18 m Medium No D
Bittter Cherry Prunus emarginata 5 4 fs-psh 15 m Medium Yes D
Black Cherry Prunus serotina 4 3 fs-psh 15 – 18 m Medium Yes D
Black Walnut Juglans nigra 5 4 fs 12 – 18+ m Medium No D
Blackgum / Black Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica 4 3 fs-psh 9 – 15 m High No D
Butternut Juglans cinerea 4 3 fs 12 – 18 m Medium No D
Catalpa Catalpa speciosa 5 4 fs 12 – 15 m Medium No D
Chokecherry Prunus virginiana 3 2 fs 6- 9m Medium Yes D
Common Hackberry Celtis occidentalis 3 2 fs-psh 12 – 15 m Medium No D
Crab Apple – Ornamental Malus spp. 5 – 9 4 – 8 fs-psh 4.5 – 6 m Low, Medium No D
Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis 5 4 fs 7.5 – 10.5 m Medium No D
European Beech Fagus sylvatica 5 4 fs 15 – 18 m High No D
Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida 6 5 fs 6- 9m High No D
Flowering Plum Prunus cerasifera 5 4 fs 4.5 – 9 m Low Yes D
Ginkgo / Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba 4 3 fs 15 – 25 m Medium No D
Golden Chain Tree Laburnum watereri 6 5 fs-psh 3.5 – 4.5 m Medium No D
Golden Raintree Koelreuteria paniculata 6 5 fs 9 – 12 m Low No D
Hawthorn Crataegus spp. 4 – 5 3 – 4 fs 4.5 – 6 m Medium No D
Honeylocust Gleditsia triacanthos 4 3 fs 9 – 21 m Low No D
Hornbeam Carpinus betulus 5 4 fs 12 – 18 m High No D
Horsechestnut Aesculus hippocastanum 4 3 fs 12 – 15 m Medium No D
Japanese Pagoda Tree Sophora japonica 5 4 fs-psh 15 – 21 m Medium No D
Kentucky Coffee Tree Gymnocladus dioicus 4 3 fs 12 – 15 m Medium No D
Linden Tilia spp. 3 – 6 2 – 5 fs 18 – 20 m Medium, High No D
London Planetree Platanus acerifolia 5 4 fs-psh 21 – 30 m Medium No D
Madrone Arbutus menziesii 8 7 fs 6 – 30 m Low No D
Maple – Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 6 – 7 5 – 6 ps 4.5 – 7.5 m High Yes D
Maple – Norway Maple Acer platanoides 4 3 fs 12 – 15 m Medium, High Yes D
Maple – Red Maple Acer rubrum 4 3 fs 12 – 18 m High Yes D
Maple – Rocky Mountain Maple Acer glabrum 5 4 fs-psh 3 – 4.5 m Medium Yes D
Maple – Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 4 3 fs 15 – 21 m Medium, High Yes D
Maple – Vine Maple Acer circinatum 5 4 fs-psh 4.5 – 6 m Medium, High Yes D
Maples – Amur Maple Acer ginnala 3 2 fs-psh 4.5 – 6 m Medium Yes D
Maples – Bigleaf Maple Acer macrophyllum 6 5 fs 9 – 23 m High Yes D
Mayday Tree Prunus padus commutata 4 3 fs-psh 9 – 12 m Medium No D
Mulberry Morus alba 5 4 fs-psh 9 – 15 m Medium Yes D
Oaks – Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa 3 2 fs 21 – 24 m Medium No D
Oaks – Garry Oak Quercus garryana 7 6 fs 12 – 27 m High No D
Oaks – Pin Oak Quercus palustris 5 4 fs 15 – 21 m Medium No D
Oaks – Red Oak Quercus rubra 5 4 fs 18 – 23 m Medium No D
Oaks – White Oak Quercus alba 4 3 fs 15 – 25 m No N/A
Pear Pyrus spp. 4 – 9 3 – 8 fs 9 – 15 m Medium No D
Pin Cherry Prunus pennsylvanica 3 2 fs 12 m Low, Medium Yes D
Poplars – Cottonwood Populus spp. 3 – 4 2 – 3 fs 40 m Medium No D
Poplars – Quaking Aspen / Trembling Aspen Populus tremuloides 2 1 fs-psh 9 – 12 m Medium, High No D
Purple Robe Locust (other Black Locusts are invasive) Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Purple Robe’ 4 3 fs 9 – 12 m Low No D
Sassafras Sassafras albidum 5 4 fs-psh 9 – 18 m High No D
Schubert Chokecherry Prunus virginiana ‘Schubert’ 4 3 fs-psh 6 – 9 m Medium Yes D
Staghorn Sumac Rhus typhina 4 3 fs-psh 4.5 – 7.5 m Medium No D
Sweetgum Liquidambur styraciflua 6 5 fs 18 – 23 m Medium No D
Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera 5 4 fs 21 – 27 m High No D
Water Birch Betula occidentalis 3 2 fs-psh 6 – 9 m High No D
Weeping Willow Salix babylonica 6 5 fs 9 – 12 m High Yes D

Shrubs

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There are no results for shrubs in this zone

Common Name Scientific Name Approximate CAD Hardiness Zone(s) USDA Hardiness Zone(s) Sun / Shade Approx. Mature Height Water Use Category Attracts Pollinators Leaf Types:
Deciduous (D),
Coniferous (C),
Broadleaf Evergreen (B)
Alpine Currant Ribes alpinum 3 2 fs-psh 0.90 – 1.8 m Low, Medium Yes D
Antelope Bitterbrush Purshia tridentata 4 3 fs 1- 2m Medium Yes D
Barberry Berberis sp. 5 – 10 4 – 9 fs 0.45 – 1.5 m Low No D
Beaked Hazelnut / Filbert Corylus cornuta 5 4 fs-psh 1.2 – 2.4 m Low No D
Blue-mist Spirea Caryopteris x clandonensis 6 5 fs-psh 0.90 – 1.5 m Low No D
Blueberry, Huckleberry Vaccinum spp. 3 – 9 2 – 8 fs-psh 0.15 – 3.5 m Medium Yes D
Bog Labrador Tea / Indian Tea / Labrador Tea Rhododendron groenlandicum 3 2 fs-psh 0.50 – 01.5 m High No B
Buffaloberry / Indian Ice Cream / Soapberry / Soopalallie Shepherdia spp. 3 2 fs 1.8 – 3.0 m Very Low No D
Burning Bush Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’ 5 4 fs-psh 1.2 – 1.8 m High No D
Ceanothus Ceanothus ovatus 5 4 fs-psh 60 – 90 cm Low No D
Chokeberry Aronia spp. 4 – 5 3 – 4 fs-psh 1.8 – 3 m Medium No D
Cinquefoil, Potentilla Potentilla fruticosa 3 2 fs-psh 0.3 – 1.2 m Low No D
Common Lilac Syringa vulgaris 4 3 fs-psh 1.5 – 4.5 m Low, Medium No D
Cotoneaster, Cranberry Cotoneaster apiculatus 5 4 fs-psh 90 cm Medium No B
Cotoneaster, Peking Cotoneaster acutifolius 5 4 fs-psh 1. 8 – 3 m Low, Medium No D
Cranberry Bush Viburnum trilobum 3 2 fs-psh 1.2 – 3.5 m Medium No D
Cranberry, High-bush Viburnum edule 6 5 fs 1.8 – 2.5 m Medium No D
Creeping Holly Mahonia repens 4 3 fs-psh 30 – 45 cm Medium No B
Daphne, Carol Mackie Daphne x burkwoodii 5 4 fs-psh 0.60 – 1.2 m Medium No B
Devil’s club Oplopanas horridus 5 4 sh 1.8 m High No D
Double Flowering Plum / Flowering Almond Prunus triloba 4 3 fs-psh 3.5 – 4.5 m Low, Medium Yes D
Elderberry Sambucus spp. 4 – 6 3 – 5 fs-psh 1.5 – 9 m Low No D
Firethorn / Pyrcantha Pyracantha coccinea 7 6 fs-psh 1.8 – 5.5 m Low, Medium No B
Forsythia Forsythia spp. 5 – 6 4 – 5 fs 2.5 – 3 m Low, Medium No D
Heather Calluna vulgaris 5 4 fs-psh 10 – 60 cm Medium No B
Japanese Kerria Kerria japonica 5 4 ps 0.9 – 1.8 m Medium No D
Mahala Mat Ceanothus prostratus 7 6 fs 2.5 – 7.5 cm Low No D
Mock Orange Philadelphus sp. 5 4 fs-psh 1.8 – 2.4 m Low, Medium Yes D
Nanking Cherry Prunus tomentosa 3 2 fs-psh 1.8 – 3 m Medium Yes D
Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius 3 2 fs-psh 1.5 – 3 m Low, Medium No D
Oakleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia 6 5 fs-psh 1.2 – 1.8 m Medium No D
Oceanspray Holodiscus discolor 6 5 fs-psh 1.8 – 2.7 m Medium Yes D
Orchid Rockrose Cistus purpureus 9 8 fs 0.90 – 1.20 m Low No B
Oregon Boxwood Paxistima myrtifolia 6 5 fs-psh 0.30 – 1.2 m High No B
Oregon Grape Mahonia aquifolium 4 3 fs-psh 1.5 – 1.8 m Low, Medium Yes B
Pacific Rhododendron Rhododendron macrophylum 7 6 fs-psh 1.8 – 3.6 m High No B
Point Reyes Ceanothus Ceanothus gloriosus 8 7 fs-psh 30 – 90 cm Low No B
Privet Ligustrum spp. 4 – 9 3 – 8 fs-psh 1.8 – 4.5 m Medium No B
Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry Prunus cistena 3 2 fs-psh 2- 3m Medium Yes D
Quince Chaenomeles spp. 5 4 fs-psh 0.6 – 3 m Medium No D
Rabbitbrush / Rabbitbush Ericameria nauseosa 4 3 fs 1m Very Low Yes D
Raspberry Rubus sp. 4 – 6 3 – 5 fs-psh 2 – 150 cm Medium Yes D
Red-flowering Currant Ribes sanguineum 6 5 fs-psh 3m Low, Medium Yes D
Redosier Dogwood / Red-twig Dogwood Cornus sericea 3 2 fs 2.1 – 3m Low, Medium, High No D
Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus 6 5 fs-psh 2.5 – 3.5 m Medium No D
Rose, Rugosa Rosa rugosa ‘Hansa’ 3 2 fs-psh 1.5 – 1.8 m Low, Medium No D
Rose, Wood’s Rosa woodsii 5 4 fs-psh 0.90 – 1.8 m Medium No D
Salal Gaultheria shallon 7 6 fs-psh 0.30 – 3 m High No B
Saskatoon /Serviceberry Amelanchier sp. 5 4 fs-psh 2.5 – 3.5 m Low No D
Siberian Peashrub Caragana arborescens 3 2 fs-psh 4.5 – 6 m Very Low, Low No D
Silverberry Elaeagnus commutata 3 2 fs 1. 8 – 3.5 m Low No D
Smoke Tree Cotinus coggygria 5 4 fs 3 – 4. 5 m Low No D
Snowberry Symphoricarpos albus 4 3 fs-psh 1.2 – 1.8 m Low Yes D
Spirea Spiraea spp. 4 3 fs-psh 0.60 – 1.2 m Low, Medium No D
Spirea, Hardhack / Western Spiraea douglasii 5 4 fs-psh 0.90 – 1.8 m Medium No D
Sumac, Fragrant Rhus aromatica 4 3 fs-psh 0.6 – 1.8 m Very Low No D
Sumac, Smooth Rhus glabra 3 2 fs-psh 2.75 – 4.5 m Low No D
Tallhedge Glossy Buckthorn Rhamnus frangula 3 2 fs-psh 2.5 – 3.5 m Medium No D
Tatarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tatarica 4 3 fs-psh 3 – 3.5 m Medium No D
Western Azalea Rhododendron occidentale 7 6 fs-psh 1.5 m High No D
Western Chokecherry Prunus virginiana 3 2 fs-psh 5.5 – 7.5 m Medium Yes D
Western Mountain Ash Sorbus scopulina 3 – 5 2 – 4 fs-psh 5m High No D
Western Sandcherry Prunus besseyi 4 3 fs-psh 1.2 – 1.8 m Medium Yes D
Willow Salix spp. 3 2 fs 1.8 – 3 m High Yes D
Witchhazel Hamamelis spp. 4 – 6 3 – 5 fs-psh 1.8 – 9 m Medium No D

Vines and Groundcovers

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There are no results for vines and groundcovers in this zone

Common Name Scientific Name Approximate CAD Hardiness Zone(s) USDA Hardiness Zone(s) Sun / Shade Approx. Mature Height Water Use Category Attracts Pollinators Leaf Types:
Deciduous (D),
Coniferous (C),
Broadleaf Evergreen (B)
Beach Wormwood / Dusty Miller Artemisia stelleriana 4 3 fs 20 cm Low No B
Carpet Bugle Ajuga reptans 5 4 fs-psh 10 – 25 cm Medium No D
Clematis Clematis spp. 4 – 6 3 – 5 ps 1.5 – 1.8 m High No D
Climbing Rose Rosa setigera 5 4 fs-psh 1.0 – 4.5 m Medium No D
Cotoneaster, Horizontal Cotoneaster horizontalis 5 4 fs-psh 60 – 90 cm Medium No D
Cottoneaster, Bearberry Cotoneaster dammeri 6 5 fs-psh 30 – 45 cm Medium No B
Creeping Potentilla / Spring Cinquefoil Potentilla neumanniana ‘Nana’ 5 4 fs-psh 5 – 10 cm Medium No D
Dead Nettle Lamium sp. 4 3 fs-psh 10 – 30 cm Medium No D
Honeysuckle Lonicera sp. 5 4 fs-psh spread 3+ m Low No D
Japanese Spurge Pachysandra terminalis 6 5 fs-psh 15 – 20 cm Medium No B
Kinnickinnick Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 3 2 fs-psh 10 – 20 cm Very Low, Low Yes B
Lily-turf Liriope spicata 5 4 fs-psh 20 – 30 cm Medium No D
Perrenial Sweet Pea Lathyrus latifolius 4 3 fs-psh 1.8-2.7 m Low No D
Pussytoes Antennaria rosea 5 4 fs 10 – 30 cm Low, Medium No B
Sedum / Stonecrop (creeping) Sedum sp. 4 3 fs-psh 5 – 30 cm Very Low Yes D
Silver Spreader Artemisia caucasica 5 4 fs-psh 15 – 20 cm Low No B
Snow-In-Summer Cerastium tomentosum 4 3 fs-psh 15 – 30 cm Low No B
Thrift Armeria maritima 5 4 fs-psh 15 – 25 cm Low No B
Thyme Thymus spp. 4 – 6 3 – 5 fs 1 cm Low No B
Trumpet Vine Campsis radicans 5 4 fs 6 – 12 m Medium No D
Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia 4 3 fs-sh 9 – 15+ m Low, Medium No D
Wintercreeper Euonymus fortunei 5 4 fs-sh 10 – 15 cm Medium No B
Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens 4 3 fs-psh 15 cm Medium No B

Grasses

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There are no results for grasses in this zone

Common Name Scientific Name Approximate CAD Hardiness Zone(s) USDA Hardiness Zone(s) Sun / Shade Approx. Mature Height Water Use Category Attracts Pollinators Leaf Types:
Deciduous (D),
Coniferous (C),
Broadleaf Evergreen (B)
Blue Grama Grass / Mosquito Grass Bouteloua gracilis 4 3 fs 30 cm Very Low, Low No N/A
Buffalograss Buchloe dactyloides 5 4 fs 30 cm Low, Medium, High No N/A
Bulrushes Scirpus spp. 4 3 fs 1 – 1.5 m High No N/A
Fescue, Blue Festuca cinerea 5 4 fs-psh 10 – 20 cm Low No N/A
Fescue, Creeping Red Festuca rubra 6 5 fs-psh 5 – 7.5 cm High No N/A
Fescue, Tall Festuca arundinacea 3 2 fs-psh 1.2 m Medium, High No N/A
Junegrass Koeleria macrantha 5 4 fs-psh 30 – 60 cm Medium No N/A
Muttongrass Poa fendleriana 4 3 ps 30 – 60 cm Low No N/A
Needle-and-thread Grass / Porcupine Grass Hesperostipa comata 4 3 fs-psh 90 cm Low No N/A
Orchardgrass Dactylis glomerata 6 5 fs-psh 30 – 60 cm Low No N/A
Ryegrass Lolium spp. 5 – 7 4 – 6 fs 30 – 80 cm Low, Medium No N/A
Sand Dropseed Sporobolus cryptandrus 6 5 fs 1m Low No N/A
Sandberg Bluegrass Poa secunda 3 2 fs 30 cm Low, Medium No N/A
Sedges Carex spp. 5 – 9 4 – 8 fs-psh 30 – 45 cm High No N/A
Squirreltail Grass Elymus elymoides 4 3 ps 30 – 60 cm Low No N/A
Wheatgrass, Crested Agropyron cristatum 4 3 fs 50 – 100 cm Very Low No N/A
Wheatgrass, Western Pascopyrum smithii 6 5 fs 30 – 90 cm Low No N/A

Perennials and Biennials

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There are no results for perennials and biennials in this zone

Common Name Scientific Name Approximate CAD Hardiness Zone(s) USDA Hardiness Zone(s) Sun / Shade Approx. Mature Height Water Use Category Attracts Pollinators Leaf Types:
Deciduous (D),
Coniferous (C),
Broadleaf Evergreen (B)
Alfalfa Medicago sativa 6 5 fs 100 cm Low No N/A
Aster Aster spp. 4 3 fs 0.15 – 1.8 m Medium Yes N/A
Balloon Flower Platycodon grandiflorus 4 3 fs 75 – 90 cm Medium No N/A
Basket of Gold Aurinia saxatalis 4 3 fs 20 – 45 cm Low, Medium No N/A
Beardtongue / Penstemon Penstemon spp. 4 3 fs-psh 10 – 120 cm Low No N/A
Beebalm (Native) / Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa 4 3 fs-psh 30 – 60 cm Low Yes N/A
Bergenia Bergenia cordifolia 4 3 fs-psh 30 – 35 cm High No N/A
Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia fulgida 4 3 fs 60 – 90 cm Medium Yes N/A
Blanket Flower Gaillardia sp. 4 3 fs 20 – 90 cm Low Yes N/A
Blue Vervain Verbena hastata 4 3 fs 50 – 150 cm Medium No N/A
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum 4 3 fs-psh 50 – 100 cm Medium No N/A
Canadian Violet Viola canadensis 4 3 fs-psh 30 cm High No N/A
Candytuft Iberis sempervirens 4 3 fs 23 – 30 cm Medium No N/A
Catmint Nepeta racemosa 4 3 fs 30 – 60 cm Low, Medium Yes N/A
Chives Allium sp. 5 4 fs-psh 30 – 60 cm Low, Medium No N/A
Columbine Aquilegia sp. 4 3 fs-psh 25 – 90 cm Medium Yes N/A
Common Harebell Campanula rotundifolia 4 3 fs-psh 15 – 30 cm Medium No N/A
Coral Bells / Heuchera Heuchera sanguinea 4 3 fs-psh 30 – 50 cm Low, Medium No N/A
Coreopsis, Dwarf Mouse Ear Coreopsis auriculata var. Nana 4 3 fs 30 – 60 cm Low No N/A
Coreopsis, Tickseed Coreopsis sp. 4 3 fs-psh 25 – 60 cm Low No N/A
Cranesbill, Blood-red Geranium sanguineum 4 3 fs-psh 10 – 30 cm Medium No N/A
Cranesbill, Grayleaf Geranium cinereum 5 4 fs-psh 10 – 15 cm Low, Medium No N/A
Cranesbill, Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum 6 5 fs-psh 45 – 75 cm Medium No N/A
Cushion Spurge Euphorbia epithymoides 4 3 fs 30 – 45 cm Low No N/A
Daylily Hemerocallis hybrids 4 3 fs-psh 30 – 120 cm Low, Medium No N/A
Delphinium Delphinium sp. 4 3 fs-psh 30 – 210 cm Medium No N/A
Dianthus / Garden Carnation / Pinks Dianthus sp. 4 3 fs-psh 5 – 30 cm Medium No N/A
False Rockcress Aubrieta deltoidea 5 4 fs-psh 7.5 – 20 cm Low No N/A
Fireweed Epilobium angustifolium 4 3 fs-psh 60 – 90 cm Low No N/A
Fleabane Erigeron hybrids 5 4 fs <30 cm Low No N/A
Fringed Sage / Pasture Sage Artemisia frigida 4 3 fs 30 – 60 cm Very Low No N/A
Goldenrod Solidago canadensis 4 3 fs 30-175 cm Low Yes N/A
Hen-and-chicks Sempervivum sp. 5 4 fs-psh 5 – 15 cm Very Low, Medium No N/A
Hollyhock Alcea rosea 4 3 fs 120 – 180 cm Medium, High No N/A
Hosta / Plantain Lily Hosta sp. 4 3 fs-psh 15 – 90 cm High No N/A
Ice Plant – Purple Delosperma cooperi 6 5 fs-psh 2.5 – 10 cm Low No N/A
Ice Plant – Yellow Delosperma nubigenum 5 4 fs-psh 2.5 – 7.5 cm Low No N/A
Indian Potato, Spring Beauty Claytonia lanceolata 6 5 fs 15 – 45 m High No N/A
Iris Iris hybrids 4 3 fs 40 – 60 cm Low, Medium No N/A
Jacob’s Ladder Polemonium spp. 3 2 fs-psh 30 – 90 cm Medium No N/A
Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium maculatum 6 5 fs-psh 1 – 1.5 m Medium No N/A
Lady’s Mantle Alchemilla sp. 4 3 ps 30 cm Medium, High No N/A
Lamb’s Ears Stachys byzantina 5 4 fs 30 – 38 cm Low, Medium No N/A
Lavender Lavandula sp. 5 4 fs 30 – 60 cm Medium Yes N/A
Leopard’s Bane Doronicum sp. 5 4 fs-psh 30 – 60 cm Medium No N/A
Lily-of-the-valley Convallaria majalis 3 2 sh <30 cm High No N/A
Lupine, Bigleaf Lupinus polyphyllus 6 5 fs-psh 150 cm Medium Yes N/A
Lupine, Russell Hybrids Lupinus hybrids 5 4 fs-psh 45 – 120 cm Medium No N/A
Mariposa Lily Calochortus macrocarpus 4 3 fs 50 cm Low Yes N/A
Mexican Hat / Prairie Coneflower Ratibida columnifera 4 3 fs 60 cm Medium Yes N/A
Missouri Goldenrod / Prairie Goldenrod / Smooth Goldenrod Solidago missourinesis 4 3 fs 30 – 60 cm Medium Yes N/A
Monkshood Aconitum spp. 4 3 fs-psh 45 – 60 cm High No N/A
Moss Phlox Phlox subulata 4 3 fs 10 – 15 cm Medium No N/A
Nepal Cinquefoil Potentilla nepalensis 6 5 fs-psh 45 – 60cm Low No N/A
Northern Bedstraw Galium boreale 6 5 sh <30 cm High No N/A
Old Man’s Whiskers / Prairie Smoke Geum triflorum 6 5 fs-psh 45 cm Medium No N/A
Oriental Poppy Papaver orientale 4 3 fs-psh 60 – 90 cm Medium No N/A
Painted Daisy Tanacetum coccineum 6 5 fs-psh 60 cm Low No N/A
Pasque Flower Pulsatilla patens 6 5 fs-psh 30 cm Medium, High No N/A
Pearly Everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea 5 4 fs 20 – 90 cm Low No N/A
Perennial Flax Linum perenne 3 2 fs-psh 30 – 50 cm Low No N/A
Perennial Salvia / Sage Salvia spp. 4 – 6 3 – 5 fs 30 – 120 cm Low, Medium Yes N/A
Prickly Pear Cactus Opuntia polycantha 4 3 fs 5 – 60 cm Low No N/A
Primrose Oenothera spp. 4 3 fs-psh 15 – 30 cm Low No N/A
Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea 4 3 fs 60 – 90 cm Medium Yes N/A
Red Valerian Centranthus ruber 5 4 fs-psh 60 – 75 cm Low No N/A
Red-Hot Poker Kniphofia uvaria 5 4 fs 30 – 120 cm Low, Medium No N/A
Rockcress Arabis sp. 4 3 fs <30 cm Medium No N/A
Russian Sage Perovskia atriplicifolia 5 4 fs 90 – 150 cm Low, Medium Yes N/A
Saxifrage Saxifraga hirsuta 6 5 fs-psh 15 cm Low, Medium, High No N/A
Scarlet Gilia Ipomopsis aggregata 8 7 fs-psh 30 – 60 cm Very Low No N/A
Sea Pinks Armeria maritima 4 3 fs-psh 15 – 30 cm Medium No N/A
Sea-lavender / Statice Limonium latifolium 5 4 fs 75 cm Medium No N/A
Sedum / Stonecrop (upright) Sedum spectabile 4 3 fs-psh 30 – 45 cm Low Yes N/A
Sensitive Fern Onoclea sensibilis 5 4 ps-sh 50 cm High No N/A
Shasta Daisy Leucanthemum x superbum 5 4 fs-psh 60 – 90 cm Low, Medium No N/A
Shooting Star Dodecatheon meadia 5 4 ps-sh 50 cm High No N/A
Silver Lupine Lupinus argenteus 4 3 ps 30 – 90 cm Low No N/A
Soapwort Saponaria sp. 3 2 fs 10 – 23 cm Low No N/A
Speedwell / Veronica Veronica spicata 4 3 fs-psh 2.5 – 15 cm Medium No N/A
Strawberry, Wild Fragaria sp. 6 5 fs 20 – 25 cm Medium No N/A
Sulphur Buckwheat / Sulphur Flower Eriogonum umbellatum 5 4 fs 30 – 90 cm Very Low Yes N/A
Sun Rose Helianthemum nummularium 4 3 fs-psh 30 – 50 cm Low No N/A
Swamp Milkweed Asclepias incarnata 4 3 fs-psh 1.2 m Medium No N/A
Virginia Bluebells Mertensia virginica 4 3 ps 50 cm High No N/A
Wild Ginger, Winterfat Asarum caudatum 8 7 ps 10 cm Medium No N/A
Windflower Anemone blanda 6 5 fs-psh 15 – 30 cm Medium No N/A
Yarrow Achillea sp. 5 4 fs 15 – 90 cm Very Low Yes N/A
Yucca Yucca filamentosa 5 4 fs-psh 60 – 90 cm Very Low No N/A

Annuals

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There are no results for annuals in this zone

Common Name Scientific Name Approximate CAD Hardiness Zone(s) USDA Hardiness Zone(s) Sun / Shade Approx. Mature Height Water Use Category Attracts Pollinators Leaf Types:
Deciduous (D),
Coniferous (C),
Broadleaf Evergreen (B)
Dusty Miller Senecio cineraria N/A N/A fs 30 – 60 cm Low, Medium No N/A
Gazania Gazania ringens N/A N/A fs 20 – 40 cm Medium No N/A
Geranium Geranium sp. N/A N/A fs-psh 30 – 45 cm Low, Medium No N/A
Lantana Lantana sp. N/A N/A fs 45 – 75 cm Low No N/A
Pansy Viola sp. N/A N/A fs-psh 15 – 20 cm Medium, High No N/A
Salvia Salvia spp. N/A N/A fs 15 – 45 cm Medium Yes N/A
Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus N/A N/A fs 60 – 90 cm Medium, High No N/A
Sweet Pea Lathyrus odoratus N/A N/A fs-psh 2m Medium No N/A

Bulbs

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There are no results for bulbs in this zone

Common Name Scientific Name Approximate CAD Hardiness Zone(s) USDA Hardiness Zone(s) Sun / Shade Approx. Mature Height Water Use Category Attracts Pollinators Leaf Types:
Deciduous (D),
Coniferous (C),
Broadleaf Evergreen (B)
Crocus Crocus sp. 6 – 9 5 – 8 fs 6 – 14 cm Low No N/A
Daffodil Narcissus sp. 5 4 fs 30 – 60 cm Low No N/A
Lily Lilium sp. 5 – 6 4 – 5 fs-psh 60 – 180 cm Medium No N/A
Nodding Onion Allium cernum 4 3 fs-psh 30 cm Medium Yes N/A
Society Garlic Tulbaghia violacea 8 7 fs 30 cm Medium No N/A
Tulip Tulipa sp. 5 4 fs-psh 15 – 90 cm Medium No N/A
Legend
Water Use
Irrigation requirements during growing season:
  • Very Low: Less than 350 mm (14”)
  • Low: About 350-450 mm (14-18”)
  • Medium: About 450 mm+ (18”+)
  • High: About 500 cm+ (20”+)
Turfgrass is in a category all by itself. It uses 890 -1020 mm (35-40 inches) per year. Most common component of turfgrass mix in BC: Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)
Some plants fit into more than one water use category as they are more adaptable. For greatest success and efficient water use, group plants together with similar water requirements. Not all plants are suitable for every area. Check plant specific requirements.
Sun / Shade Preferences
  • fs: Full sun
  • ps: Part sun
  • sh: Full shade
  • fs-psh: Full sun to part shade
  • fs-sh: Full sun to full shade
  • ps-sh: Part sun to full shade
More about this tool
  • Some columns in the plant chart above are sortable. To sort by a certain column, and/or change the sorting directionality, click on the corresponding column header.
  • The plants in this chart are based off of data from Natural Resources Canada. Please note that while the data covers most of BC, a small number of coastal regions may not be projected in the current data set. If your address is not specified as being a certain hardiness zone, please contact your local garden center for further information.
  • Annuals grow in all USDA Hardiness Zones thus do not pertain to a particular zone.
Footnotes

* Native plants that may not be commercially available.

† This plant has multiple varieties – some of which are more hardy than others. Please consult your garden center to determine whether a specific variety will grow in your zone.

The plant hardiness zone explained

To know which FireSmart plants will grow where you live, first, you need to know your hardiness zone. Hardiness describes a plant’s tolerance of low temperatures; it does not refer to toughness or pest and disease resistance. As a rule: always select plants that are equal to or lower than your zone number. For Canadian gardeners there are two relevant systems used for ranking hardiness: the Canadian system and the American system (USDA). The map on this page utilizes the Canadian hardiness zone system, and the plant chart has been converted from the USDA system – in approximation – to meet this Canadian system. The general rule of thumb, and the one we used to estimate, is that the Canadian hardiness number is one more than the USDA zone number. For example, if your Canadian hardiness number is 5, then your USDA zone number would be 4. This rule of thumb is approximate and it is not an exact conversion. We’ve included a column for each plant’s USDA hardiness zone number should you wish to verify with your local garden centre.

Which plants should you avoid?

Highly flammable plants provide fuel for wildfire, and can increase fire intensity. This chart provides a list of some common, high risk plants that are best to avoid. In general, highly flammable plants often contain fine, dry, dead material within the plant such as twigs, needles, and leaves. They also may contain loose papery bark that burns easily, or have stems, branches or leaves that contain volatile waxes, terpenes or oils.

Chart notes:

  • Leaf types: (D): Deciduous, (C): Coniferous, (B): Broadleaf Evergreen
  • Ponderosa Pine: Thicker bark helps to protect this tree
  • Larch: Higher moisture content of foliage makes this tree slightly less risky

Fire Hazard Plants
Common Name Scientific Name Risk Level Leaf Type
Arborvitae (Cedar) Thuja spp. Highest Risk C
Broom Genista spp. Highest Risk B
Cedrus Cedar spp. Highest Risk C
Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii Highest Risk C
Firs Abies spp. Highest Risk C
Fountain Grass Pennisetum spp. Highest Risk
Holly Ilex spp. Highest Risk B
Juniper Juniperus spp. Highest Risk C
Pampas Grass Cortaderia selloana Highest Risk
Pine Pinus spp. Highest Risk C
Ponderosa Pine Pinus ponderosa Higher Risk C
Spruce Picea spp. Highest Risk C
Larch Larix spp. High Risk D
Yew Taxus spp. Highest Risk C

Have a question?

Do you have a question about FireSmart landscaping or fire-resistant plants? Check out our FAQ below, or ask our resident expert!

Learn more about FireSmart landscaping

Check out our page on FireSmart landscaping tips, instructions, and best practices when it comes to keeping your yard and property fire-resistant. For a quick, visual way to determine which plants are considered more fire-resistant at the point of purchase, learn more about the FireSmart BC Plant Program and check for a participating store near you.


Landscaping tips Plant program