Ideas and resources for natural and organic living options with sustainable lawn care, organic gardening, organic foods, organic farming and healthy homes with green and sustainable solutions. Published by Solutions For Green

Search Our Site

California Friendly plants aren’t only drought-tolerant--they’re beautiful, too, and many are fire-resistant as well. Dozens of varieties have been endorsed for use by Southern California fire agencies.

Creating a fire-resistant barrier around your home involves far more than picking out the right plants.

Keeping them pruned and maintained is an important fire protection tool. Keep low-growing plants within 30 feet of the home; remove dead and dying vegetation and keep plants properly spaced. The closer the plants are to the house, the more care that needs to be taken.

Some of our favorite California natives are also fire-resistant. Here is a list you might want to consider.

Visit the Be Water Wise website for an absolutely wonderful array of ideas about gardening in Southern California: www.bewaterwise.com

Bewaterwise.com SoCal Plant List

SHRUBS

Ceanothus “Louis Edmunds”

Monkeyflower (Mimulus)

Sage (Salvia)

SHRUBS

California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa)

Toyon (Hetereomeles arbutifolia)

PERENNIALS AND ANNUALS

Beard Tongue (Penstemon palmeri)

GROUNDCOVER

NOTE to my readers: We provide resource links to help you protect and nurture your natural resources. Tip: when you contact suppliers in person, online, by phone or email...please ask them about alternatives that are sustainable, green, or habitat-healthy. By asking, we advocate for better protection of our natural resources. Thank you, Carolyn.