Introduction

The following list presents plants identified as “fire resistant,” “firewise,” or possessing a “favorable fire performance rating” in publications written by Cooperative Extension specialists in the western United States and scientists from the University of California Forest Products Laboratory. Only plants reported by at least two sources and adapted for Nevada’s climate zones (Figure 1) are included. Please note: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension does not assert that the plants listed here are actually more desirable (i.e., less flammable, harder to ignite, etc.), but is simply presenting what others have reported.

Nevada Climate

• 1 Adapted from Sunset Western Garden Book. 2001. Lane Publishing Co.. Menlo Park, CA.
• 2 Arizona. Source: DeGomez, T., J. Schalau, C. Jones. 2002. Firewise plant materials for 3,000 ft. and higher elevations. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Publication AZ1289.
• 3 California. Source: Shelly, J. R., ed. 1997. Defensible space landscaping in the urban/wildland interface: a compilation of fire performance ratings of residential landscape plants. University of California Forest Products Laboratory. Prepublication copy.
• 4 Colorado. Source: Dennis, F. C. 2004. Firewise plant materials. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. No. 6.305.
• 5 Idaho. Source: Carree, Y., C. Schnepf, and W. M. Colt. 1998. Landscaping for wildfire prevention. University of Idaho Forest, Wildlife, and Range Experiment Station. Station Bulletin 67.
• 6 Montana. Source: Gough, R. E. and Lamb, J. 2001. Fire-resistant plants for Montana landscapes. Montana State University Extension Service. Fact Sheet MT 2001-01 AG.
• 7 Oregon. Source: Fitzgerald, S. and A. J. Waldo. 2002. Fire-resistant plants for Oregon home landscapes. Oregon State University Extension Service. Forest Resource Note No. 6.
• 8 Utah. Source: Kuhn, M. 2002. Firewise plants for Utah landscapes. Utah State University Extension. Fact Sheet NR/FF/002.

^*Some reviewers of this publication disagree with the findings of the authors cited in this document and consider this particular plant a poor choice.

Published by: Smith, E. amd Sistare, S., 2005, A Compilation of Good Plant Choices for Nevada’s High Fire Hazard Areas, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, SP-05-16

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