Fire Resistant Plants
The lists were compiled by Mr Neil Marriott based on the experiences of APS Victoria members many of whom have properties in fire-prone areas which have been affected by bushfires. Fire Resistant Plants The following types of plants are less likely to catch alight and burn in a bushfire.
There are several other significant factors that influence the fire.
Fire resistant plants. Plants which have their lowest branches clear of the. Plants with high salt content eg. While taking actions to create a defensible space do not ensure that your home will survive a wildfire they.
Fire-resistant does not mean reproof Plants that are re-resistant have the following characteristics. In the wild many species of this rugged genus require fire to germinate. One way to do this is to create a defensible space around the home and one important factor can be using fire-resistant plants in landscaping.
Tamarix Rhagodia Atriplex Eucalytpus occidentalis Esargentii. Landscaping for fire safety Landscaping with fire-resistant plants. Cacti Plants with thick insulating bark.
As homeowners continue to build in the wild and urban interface they must take special precautions to protect their homes. Some plants are marketed and described as firesafe or fire resistant all plants will burn under the right conditions. These include large trees whose flammable parts are high above surface fires.
Fire Resistant and Retardant Plants These plants have been found to provide some degree of protection during bushfires. These plants can be damaged or even killed by fire. Fire Resistant Plant List California Natives Included All plants with an asterisk are native to California.
Leaves are moist and supple. Local fire departments often offer a listed of approved landscape plants. Books have been written on this subject.
Most homeowners want to create a landscape that complements their home and has variations in colour texture flowers and foliage. The good news is you dont need a lot of money to make your landscape fire resistant. Rather than list specific plants which vary greatly based on different climates micro climates and personal preferences it is helpful to think in terms of good fire resistant plants and less fire resistant plants.
Fire-resistant plants suffer little damage during a characteristic fire regime. Be sure to keep all of your land-scape plants healthy with appropriate water-ing proper pruning etc. Below is a list of 10 plants known to be fire-resistant but to find plants that will grow in your locale you can contact your fire department.
Plant trees at least 10 away from each other or more if youre on a slope and at least 30 from your home. On hot windy days when the ground is dry and plants have little moisture in stems and leaves fire can race through almost any landscape threatening homes and lives. Even re-resistant plants will burn if not well maintained.
Many of the plants and trees which can be used to create fire shelter belts and fire resistant gardens are listed below sorted by various categories. And you will find that a fire-resistant landscape can increase your property value and conserve water while beautifying your home. A gorgeous shrub laden with pendant flowers come spring the manzanita is one of the Wests best fire-resistant plants.
Fire is a fundamental part of the Australian environment and many native plants are adapted to fire. Mature ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa is an example of a tree species that suffers virtually no crown damage under a naturally mild fire regime because it sheds its lower vulnerable. As summer warms up all homeowners need to think about being bushfire safe.
Fire resistant plants are great in California because they are often drought tolerant too. This means getting rid of rubbish clearing weeds and debris and cutting back overhanging branches so they are clear of buildings. Others need fire for seed germination as it opens woody cones or heats seed stored in the ground.
When choosing fire retardant plants other attributes should be taken into consideration such as their aesthetic appeal growth rate resistance to drought and frost and possibly their ability to regenerate following fire. However their foliage and stems do not significantly contribute to the fuel and there-fore the fires intensity. There are many fire-resistant plants to choose from so you will most likely be able to get the look you want in your garden.
Fire-resistant does not mean reproof. Rather use Right Plant Right Place to build a robust fire-adapted landscape. Fire Service publication Guidelines for Development in Bushfire Prone Areas of Tasmania 2005.
Fire-resistant plants are those that do not readily ignite from a flame or other ignition sources. Plants with fleshy or watery leaves eg. Choosing Fire Resistant Plants.
The Australian native plant lists include detailed growing requirements size growth habit and other additional useful information such as whether they attract native fauna or can be used for. Any plant will burn under the right conditions. Some recuperate well after a fire re-sprouting from buds on their trunks and lignotubers or they are protected during fires by dense bark.
An easy drought-tolerant perennial that pollinators love. When selecting plants you also should consider the flammability of plants particularly if your home is located near a forest or bush. Simply choosing plants from a fire-safe plant list is NOT enough.
In the garden the leaves of full-grown specimens will quickly burn in a fire leaving the green wood of the shrub untouched. Applied to plants the term fire resistant may be misleading. All plants burn under the right conditions.
