Question on firewise plants - Ask Extension
Hello. I live in Bend, Oregon and have a couple of questions about firewise plants. I'm working with a local nursery, Landsystems and let them know th...
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Question on firewise plants #874581
Asked June 25, 2024, 9:40 AM EDT
Hello. I live in Bend, Oregon and have a couple of questions about firewise plants. I'm working with a local nursery, Landsystems and let them know that my neighborhood HOA adheres to the OSU Extension Firewise Plant list. There are few plants on their design that I don't see on the list so I wanted to check to see if they adhere to the firewise standards. The plants in question are: Cupressina Spruce, Potentilla, Oregon Sunshine, Peony & Showy Milkweed.
Thank you for your help with this question.
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Sharon, Is the potentilla the shrub form on perennial? If shrub form, yes it is firewise. Spruce is not firewise. The other three do not have any research on their firewise rating which is why they are not included in our latest guide. The main characteristic of each of the peony and oregon sunshine suggest firewise. The milkweed tends to spread and may have a dried out head, so less firewise. There is more to plant selection alone that dictates firewise. Some HOAs may allow the use of a fireprone plant (e.g. spruce) if it is planted further out away from home and isolated. So design also plays a big role.
Hope that helps, Thanks, Amy Jo
Hope that helps, Thanks, Amy Jo