Growing up in the Colorado mountains, I have always been wary of wildfires; I was six years old the first time a wildfire threatened our home. But that was many years and many fires ago. Now we joke that, here in Colorado, we no longer have a ‘fire season’…but it’s really not funny. We’re not laughing, because we know that a wildfire could break out any time of year. One of the most devastating fires in Colorado history started on the December 30th in 2021, resulting in the loss of more than 1000 homes. Over 56,000 wildfires were reported across the U.S. in 2023 and over 7 million acres have already burned this year.

Protecting homes from wildfire is a cause that is near and dear to my heart and why I want everyone to know about the beautiful benefits of planting fire-resistant flowers. With so many fires burning across the Western United States, now is a great time to learn about protecting your property with wildflowers! In addition to mitigating potential fuel sources around your property, planting fire-resistant flowers can further help to protect your home. These drought tolerant flowers have a high moisture content and low oil content, which make them less flammable.

Here is a list of some of our top picks to get you started! In no particular order, though we may have saved the best for last. These ratings are based on the Idaho Firewise Plant Flammability Scale, with a 0 indicating the least flame resistance and a 10 indicating the most flame resistance.

Our Top Picks for Fire-Resistant Flowers

Columbine

Columbine has a fire-resistance rating of 8. Their water requirements are medium to high. Rocky Mountain columbine is a hardy North American native wildflower and Colorado’s State flower. It grows wild in the higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains but is equally at home in any temperate U.S. climate.

Gaillardia

Gaillardia has a fire-resistance rating of 8. They have low to medium water requirements. This hardy plant blooms non-stop from June until hard frost. They are great for pollinators, providing pollen, nectar, and seeds to birds, butterflies, and bees. They are the host plant for a few types of moths.

Salvia

Salvia has a fire-resistance rating of 8 and low to medium water requirements. Very heat and drought tolerant, it is the perfect background plant for borders and containers in full sun. It is stunning in formal or casual designs and has long lasting flowers in the garden and bouquets.

Butterfly Milkweed

Butterfly Milkweed has a fire-resistance rating of 8 and requires minimal water. Butterflies find the large clusters of vibrant orange flowers filled with sweet nectar irresistible. Milkweed is also the larval host plant for Monarch butterflies.

Lupine

Lupine has a fire-resistance rating of 8. Water requirements are low to medium for these plants. Lupine features tall spires of brightly colored blossoms on top of handsome foliage. A good choice for partly shady areas. Lupine also adds nitrogen to the soil and is deer resistant.

Vinca

Vinca, also called periwinkle, has a fire-resistance rating of 8. Though it does have higher water requirements, it is able to withstand heat and drought. This low grower spreads rapidly and thrives in difficult locations making it a great ground cover option.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis has a fire resistance rating of 8 and requires a moderate amount of water. Sunny, yellow “daisy-like” flowers appear in late spring and continue to early autumn. Coreopsis loves hot, dry weather and can withstand considerable drought once established. It’s easy to grow from seed and perfect for the xeriscape garden!

Flax

Flax has a fire-resistance rating of 8 and requires very little water. Graceful, arching spires topped with dainty, sky-blue flowers add charm and beauty to any garden. New flowers open each day, creating a lovely blue potpourri of petals at the base of the plant. A rugged plant, despite its delicate appearance. Very drought tolerant once established.

Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose has a fire-resistance rating of 8 and low to medium water requirements. This is a very hardy plant that can withstand almost any heat and drought. Will spread to form colonies in many areas. Great for dry hillsides and unattended areas. Flowers open each afternoon and close the following morning, providing nectar for nocturnal pollinators.

California Poppy

California’s state flower, and North America’s most popular wildflower, California Poppies have a fire-resistance rating of 10! They also require very little water. Glowing orange blossoms, shaped like delicate cups, top a low-growing mass of feathery foliage. An excellent choice for dry areas and mass plantings.

On Upkeep

Most of these plants are very low maintenance, but low maintenance is not no maintenance.

No plants are ever entirely fire-proof and even more fire-resistant plants require reasonable care to maintain their less flammable status. Keep plants watered as necessary and remove dried stalks and debris to keep your wildflower firebreak in good shape.

Download the Fire-Resistant Flowers quick reference guide here.