FireSmart BC Landscaping Hub
Find fire-resistant plants for your climate
Looking to find which fire-resistant plants will grow well in the particular climate that you live in? You’ve come to the right place. Using our tool below, British Columbians can make sustainable plant choices that can minimize the risk of structure damage due to wildfire. FireSmart selections can also be compatible with conserving water and attracting pollinators.
Fire-resistant plant tool
How to use this tool
Choose your plant type below. When selecting a plant, you’ll need to know which Home Ignition Zone it will be planted in. View the Home Ignition Zones or reference the legend below the chart for more information.
Some columns in the plant chart above are sortable. To sort by a column or change the sorting direction, click on the corresponding column header.
Have a question? Give us a shout at asklandscaping@firesmartbc.ca!
Trees
LegendThere are no results for trees in this zone
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Shrubs
LegendThere are no results for shrubs in this zone
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Vines and Groundcovers
LegendNote: Where vines are used is an important factor as they have the potential to act as ladder fuels.
There are no results for vines and groundcovers in this zone
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Ornamental Grasses
LegendThere are no results for ornamental grasses in this zone
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Turf Grasses
LegendThere are no results for turf grasses in this zone
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Perennials and Biennials
LegendThere are no results for perennials and biennials in this zone
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Annuals
LegendThere are no results for annuals in this zone
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Bulbs
LegendThere are no results for bulbs in this zone
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Legend |
Priority Zones |
Immediate Zone 0-1.5 m
Intermediate Zone 1.5-10 m
Extended Zone 10-30 m
Extended & Beyond 21-30+ m
Generally considered fire-resistant, however more research is required to determine which zone is appropriate for use. Use with caution as some may pose more risk than others.
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Water Use |
Irrigation requirements during growing season:
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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 |
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Leaf Types |
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More about this tool
- The fire-resistant plants listed in our tool are based on research completed to date, so the list is not exhaustive. With further research, additional plants may be added or removed.
- Not all plants on the chart are equally FireSmart. Some will ignite easier than others, especially in dry areas of the province.
- Data in the chart is based upon research performed to date and is subject to change based upon further research. For example, this information may be modified in the future due to climate change and other factors that can cause seasonal conditions and weather patterns to vary.
- Always check your local garden centre to verify your cold hardiness zone and choose your plants accordingly.
Footnotes
* Native plants that may not be commercially available.
† This plant has multiple varieties, some of which are hardier than others. Consult your local garden centre to determine if a specific variety will grow in your zone.
Understanding the Plant Cold Hardiness Zone
To know which FireSmart plants grow where you live, you’ll need to know your hardiness zone. Hardiness refers to a plant’s tolerance of low temperatures. As a rule, you’ll want to select plants that are equal to or lower than your zone number. There are two relevant systems used for ranking hardiness: the Canadian system and the American system (USDA). The map utilizes the Canadian system, while the plant chart has been approximated from the USDA system to meet the Canadian system. The general rule of thumb is that the Canadian hardiness number is one higher than the USDA zone number. This rule is approximate and not a precise conversion.
The cold hardiness zones presented in the map are based on information from Natural Resources Canada. While the data covers most of BC, a small number of coastal regions may not be projected in the current data set. Additionally, some areas have specific microclimates that may not be completely represented in the map below. If you have any questions about plants for your property or want to verify your hardiness zone, we strongly recommend checking with your local garden centre.
Type in your address below to find your plant cold hardiness zone:
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 |
Plant Flammability
What makes a plant fire-resistant?
Fire-resistant plants do not provide significant fuel or increase fire intensity. They feature:
- Moist and supple leaves that ignite and burn slower.
- Little dead wood or accumulated dead material.
- Open branching habits that allow more debris to fall to the ground, allowing for easier removal of fuel.
- Fewer total branches and leaves (less fuel).
- Slow growing habits, reducing pruning requirements.
- Water-like sap with little or no odour.
- A low amount of sap or resin material.
What makes a plant highly flammable?
Highly flammable plants provide fuel and can increase fire intensity. They feature:
- Fine, dry, and dead materials such as twigs, needles, and leaves.
- Loose and papery bark.
- Stems, branches, or leaves that contain volatile waxes, terpenes, or oils.
- Aromatic leaves that produce a strong odour when crushed.
- Gummy, resinous sap with a strong odour.
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.