Top 15 Fire-Resistant Plants for Colorado Landscaping
- Megan Banich
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
Colorado’s increasing wildfire risk—especially across foothill and mountain communities—makes fire-resistant landscaping more important than ever. Luckily, native and adaptive plants can help create beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes that support biodiversity and reduce fire danger.
These 15 firewise plants thrive in Colorado’s dry, high-altitude climate and are a great foundation for defensible, sustainable landscapes.
Fire-Resistant Perennials & Ground Covers:
1. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)
A pollinator favorite, this long-blooming native thrives in full sun and lean soil. Its sparse foliage and low resin content make it a safe choice in fire-prone areas.
Height: 12–30" | Sun: Full | Water: Low📌 CSU Source
2. Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) Feathery seed heads and pink spring blooms define this low-growing native. It works well in part shade and rocky soil.
Height: 6–12" | Sun: Partial | Water: Low
3. Red Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox 'Coccineus') An aromatic, mat-forming ground cover that’s low-flammable and drought-tolerant. It suppresses weeds and looks stunning between flagstone.
Height: 2–4" | Sun: Full | Water: Low📌 Homes & Gardens
4. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) This adaptable, sun-loving perennial produces umbrella-shaped flower clusters and is highly drought-tolerant once established.
Height: 1–3 ft | Sun: Full | Water: Low
5. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.) Known for tubular flowers and a broad range of native varieties, Penstemons add both color and fire resilience.
Height: 1–4 ft | Sun: Full | Water: Low
6. Pussytoes (Antennaria spp.) With fuzzy silver leaves and compact growth, this ground cover is both charming and firewise. Great for rock gardens.
Height: 2–6" | Sun: Full | Water: Low
7. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)Its blue-purple blooms and drought-tolerance make it ideal for low-water, fire-conscious designs. Also repels pests naturally.
Height: 1–3 ft | Sun: Full | Water: Low
8. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)Technically a subshrub, it’s a standout for long summer bloom and aromatic foliage. Its open structure makes it less flammable.
Height: 3–5 ft | Sun: Full | Water: Low
Fire-Resistant Shrubs & Subshrubs:
9. Pawnee Sand Cherry (Prunus besseyi) A native shrub with white spring flowers, edible summer fruit, and brilliant fall foliage. Compact form and low fuel load.
Height: 2–4 ft | Sun: Full | Water: Low📌 CSU Source
10. Fernbush (Chamaebatiaria millefolium) This Colorado native is aromatic but low-flammable. Its fine-textured foliage and white blooms attract bees and butterflies.
Height: 4–6 ft | Sun: Full | Water: Low
11. Three-Leaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata) A dense, mounding native shrub with red-orange fall color and low water needs. Its structure helps slow fire spread.
Height: 3–6 ft | Sun: Full | Water: Low📌 Firewise Landscaping Guide, CO State Forest Service
12. Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa) Blooms bright yellow in late summer and supports pollinators. With an open, airy shape, it stays fire-resistant even in dry conditions.
Height: 2–5 ft | Sun: Full | Water: Very Low
13. Leadplant (Amorpha canescens)
A nitrogen-fixing native with feathery gray foliage and purple flower spikes. Highly adaptable and low maintenance.
Height: 1–3 ft | Sun: Full | Water: Low
Fire-Resistant Succulents & Structural Plants:
14. Prickly Pear (Opuntia spp.) The thick, moisture-retentive pads of this cactus act as natural fire deterrents. Native to the West and tough as nails.
Height: 1–2 ft | Sun: Full | Water: Very Low
15. Yucca (Yucca glauca, Yucca filamentosa) Evergreen, architectural, and very drought-tolerant. The fleshy leaves make ignition difficult even in extreme heat.
Height: 2–4 ft | Sun: Full | Water: Low
Fire-Resistant Firewise Landscaping Tips
Zone design matters – Keep 5 feet around structures clear of plants. Use gravel, pavers, or non-combustible mulch.
Group plants by water needs – Keep higher-moisture plants closer to the house; avoid resinous species like junipers.
Maintenance is key – Prune, mow, and clear out debris regularly—dead material is the most flammable part of any garden and property.
Fire Resistant Plants for Colorado: A Smart Move for Fire Mitigation
Fire resistant plants for Colorado are a practical and beautiful way to reduce wildfire risk while supporting native ecosystems. Integrating low-flammability, drought-tolerant plants into your landscape is a key step in effective fire mitigation—especially in foothill and mountain communities.
These plants help limit the spread of fire by reducing available fuel and creating safer buffer zones around structures. Whether you're building a defensible space or simply want a low-maintenance yard, choosing the right vegetation is essential for long-term resilience.
Citations:
[1] https://engagement.source.colostate.edu/top-10-fire-resistant-native-plants-for-colorado-landscapes
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