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.
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.
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.
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”+)
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
Leaf Types
(D): Deciduous
(C): Coniferous
(B): Broadleaf Evergreen
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:
Zone
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4
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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.
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.