Choosing the Right Plants - University of Nevada, Reno

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLANTS FOR NORTHERN NEVADA'S HIGH FIRE HAZARD AREAS

56 • UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

AVOID THESE PLANTS!

Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Haven’

Juniperus species

J. scopulorum ‘Blue Haven’ (Blue Haven
Juniper) – This upright juniper grows 10 ft. tall
and spreads 4 ft. It provides a ready fuel source
for ignition from flying embers and should be
avoided within 30 ft. of the house in high fire
hazard areas.

J. occidentalis (Western Juniper) – This native
juniper can be 40 ft. tall and 30 ft. wide. With
its size, persistent dead wood and dry needles,
it can be an extreme fire hazard.

Picea glauca ‘Conica’

Picea glauca ‘Conica’

Dwarf Alberta Spruce – This popular dwarf

spruce is prone to spider mites that kill parts of

the plant, making it good fuel for fire.

Picea pungens

Picea pungens

Spruce – The blue spruce retains a dense

interior of dry needles and branches, as well as

needles underneath, creating a ready fuel

source for ignition.

Pinus mugo

Pinus species

Pine – Pines contain volatile oils, making them

a bad choice for landscapes in high fire hazard

areas. The dry needle litter underneath and

within the interior of the tree are additional fire

hazards. Once ignited, pines generally burn

intensely.

P. mugo (Mugo Pine) – Often sold as a dwarf

form, this pine can reach over 15 ft. in height.

Keep it at least 30 ft. from the house.

P. monticola (Western White Pine) – Although

an attractive landscape tree, its inherent traits

make it a fire risk. Keep it 30 ft. from the

house.

Pinus monticola

Juniperus occidentalis