AVOID THESE PLANTS ∙ PART 3UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION • (^55)
AVOID THESE PLANTS!
Chrysothamnus nauseosus
Chrysothamnus nauseosus
Rubber Rabbitbrush – This plant thrives in
desert climates and blooms with bright yellow
flowers late summer to fall. The oils in it make it
a poor choice for high fire hazard areas.
Cupressus glabra
Cupressus glabra
Arizona Cypress – This fast-growing and
drought-tolerant evergreen grows to 30 ft. tall,
but is another example of a woody plant that has
dense fuels and is a fire hazard. Avoid this plant
within 30-100 ft. of the home, depending on
slope.
Cytisus scoparius ‘Moonlight’
Cytisus species
Broom – Considered a noxious weed in many
states, this perennial is still commonly used in
landscaping. Because it has dry woody growth,
avoid planting it in fire hazard areas.
Genista lydia
Genista species
Dwarf Broom – Although most varieties are
low-growing, their dry woody stems and dense
pattern of growth makes them a high fire risk.
Flying embers can easily ignite these plants.
Juniperus chinensis
Juniperus species
Juniper – These plants have dense, fine-tex-
tured leaves and contain flammable chemicals.
Once ignited, they burn intensely.
J. chinensis (Chinese Juniper) – Varieties of this
plant range in height from 2-15 ft. They are
some of the most commonly used landscape
plants and often become crowded and too
large in landscapes.
J. horizontalis (Creeping Juniper) – This is a
low-growing ground cover, rarely growing
more than 6 in. tall, but spreading over 6 ft.
Juniperus horizontalis