| WE LIVE IN VALLEY CENTER CA. FIRE DANGER IS HIGH BECAURE OF OUR DRY SOIL CONDITIONS. I KNOW OUR PINE TREES WOULD GO UP LIKE BIRTHDAY CANDLES. I AM WONDERING WHAT TREES BURN AT A SLOWER RATE. IN ADDITION, COULD RECOMMEND GROUND COVER THAT WOULD SLOW DOWN THE BURNING. MANY THANKS |
| Santa Lucia Fir (Abies bracteata) is an evergreen conifer. This California native fir, also called Bristlecone Fir, has the reputation of being safe in fire zones. Acer macrophyllum (Big leaf maple) is a deciduous Tree, to 50 feet, but normally more like 30 feet, often developing several trunks. Large maple leaves colorful in autumn. Native from Alaska to southern California. And, of course, Ponderosa Pine and manzanita are always recommended. Ground cover options include Fragaria chiloensis, a spreading perennial, white flowers, March-Aug., edible red fruits, good ground cover for sun, garden water, part shade inland. Native to coastal bluffs and sand dunes in Calif. Cold tolerant to at least 15 deg. Buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellulatum), Indian Blanket Flower (Gallardia spp.), Carpet Bugle (Ajuga repens), Cinquefoil (Potentilla spp.), Creeping Pinks (Dianthus spp.), Penstemons (Penstemon spp.), Larkspur (Delphinium spp.), Lupine (Lupinus spp.), Winter Creeper (Euonymus fortunei), Yarrow (Achillea spp.), Germander (Germander spp.), Evening Primrose (Oenothera hookeri) or Stonecrops (Sedum spp.) Your local fire department may have other ideas for firewise plants. |
